Five people were killed in a tragic Plum Borough house explosion on the morning of August 12, 2023. Shockwaves from the explosion were felt throughout the neighborhood. A house blew up and two other homes were engulfed in flames. According to an Allegheny County press release, the home explosion was caused by “hot water tank issues.”
House fires and explosions like this can devastate properties, traumatize people, and destroy families’ futures. They frequently result in death, permanent injury, expensive medical treatment, and long-term rehabilitation. On top of that, house fires and explosions are complicated legal cases that place difficult decisions and responsibilities on victims and their families. In some cases, these house fires or explosions could have been avoided.
When negligence or wrongful acts are to blame, Ethen Ostroff Law and its partner firms can assist victims in seeking accountability. Effective legal counsel is critical in determining whether your case may result in financial compensation for property damages, injuries, and lost productivity.
A tragic house explosion occurred at 10:30 a.m. (ET) on Saturday morning, August 12, 2023, at 141 Rustic Ridge Drive in Plum Borough, near Pittsburgh, PA. Five people were killed and three others wounded; two of whom were in stable condition and one critically. The Plum house explosion destroyed three structures and severely damaged about a dozen others nearby. The victims have been identified as Heather Oravitz, 51; Kevin Sebunia, 55; Michael Thomas, 57; and father and son, Casey Clontz, 38, and Keegan Clontz, 12.
The explosion was responded to by water tankers from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, 18 different fire departments, and Allegheny County’s Emergency Management and Fire Marshals. All nearby utilities were turned off for safety, but power was restored by Sunday afternoon.
According to the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office, the home that exploded had hot water tank issues. However, the fire marshal has not concluded this was the cause of the Plum Borough house explosion. They are looking into this information along with any other possibilities that may explain what occurred.
According to the United States Fire Administration, the 2021 national estimates for residential building fires and losses show that from 2012 to 2021 there were 353,500 fires, 2,840 deaths, 11,400 injuries, and $8,855,900,000 in loss. The overall trends for residential building fires and losses for the 10-year period show a 5% decrease in fires, an 8% increase in deaths, a 7% decrease in injuries, and an 11% increase in dollar loss.
Here are the different types of house fires and explosions, along with their common causes:
Home fires can quickly get out of hand. But a great deal of these fires can be prevented. By taking the following basic precautions, you could stop a disaster before it starts:
Your life and your property can be protected with fire safety knowledge and quick action. And the best way you can ensure fire safety is through prevention. However, you can follow these steps in case of house fire or explosion:
House fires and explosions can have catastrophic effects on both human life and property. Among these effects are:
A house fire or explosion can put so much on your plate. Dealing with the aftermath and deciding what to do next can be difficult. Worry no more. Do the following to get started:
Determining who is responsible for fire damage is tricky. It is possible to hold several persons or organizations accountable for the losses and harm done. Those who might be held accountable include:
Fire and explosion damage are among the top five most expensive and common insurance claims. They can become even more expensive if a lawsuit is filed. The legal issues that may arise from a fire or explosion injury and property damage cases include defective products, negligence, and intentional acts.
When you are injured or your property is damaged by a fire or explosion, you can seek compensatory damages. This can apply whether your case involves negligence, arson, or strict product liability for a defective product.
In negligence lawsuits, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant had a legal duty, breached that duty, and was the direct or proximate cause of injuries or property damage to recover damages. In arson cases, the crime’s elements are reviewed to determine the case’s penalty. In product liability lawsuits, a victim must show that another person or company manufactured, distributed, sold, or installed the product that caused the harm. In wrongful death cases, a surviving spouse or family member can file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages against the parties responsible for the fire.
Compensation awards differ by state because each state has its own laws governing losses compensated. Nonetheless, most states include some or all of the following if supported by evidence:
Yes. A personal injury attorney can offer comprehensive information on the legal remedies that are available and their worth in a particular case and state. House fire and explosion lawsuits are unique and complex due to the possible involvement of numerous parties. Each state has different liability laws. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case, file a lawsuit on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
At Ethen Ostroff Law, we are your advocates in the face of the devastation caused by house fires or explosions like the Plum house explosion. Our comprehensive range of services ensures you have the legal guidance you need:
Ethen Ostroff Law is not just a legal service. Your home’s protection is paramount to us. We are your partners in reclaiming your life after a house fire or explosion.
What are you waiting for? Contact Ethen Ostroff Law now at 610-510-8883 ( by calling this number, you consent to receive SMS updates from Ethen Ostroff Law) or Submit Form to get free consultation.
His career began in public service as a Surveillance Officer in Maricopa County, where he gained firsthand experience in high-stakes decision-making and developed a deep sense of discipline and accountability. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of a fast-growing law firm, driving efficiency, revenue growth, and team development. Today, Ryan focuses on helping law firms reach their full potential by aligning people, processes, and long-term vision. A strategic thinker and empowering leader, Ryan is passionate about developing others and guiding organizations through meaningful, lasting growth.
Passionate about securing legal rights, Joseph actively participates in pro bono work through various organizations, including Christian Legal Aid of Pittsburgh and the ABA Military Pro Bono Project. Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, he is a member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys sports, reading, and creative writing, and has been involved in rowing and curling. He resides in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, with his parents.
Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.
Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.
He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.
Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.
Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area. As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work. He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers. During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law. He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.
Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.
Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.
Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge, Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.
Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.
Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.
He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.
He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state
Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
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