Human remains found in Tyrone home explosion, five sent to hospital

Jul 27, 2021

Blair County, PA — The Blair County coroner confirmed a body was found in the aftermath of a house explosion and fire in Tyrone.

Emergency responders were at the scene on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue Monday afternoon, July 26.

The Blair County Deputy Coroner released a statement stating that human remains were found in one of the structures involved in the explosion/fire. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death. The identity of the victim will be withheld until the autopsy is complete.

Five individuals were reportedly transported to hospitals in the area. Two were sent to Penn Highlands Tyrone and three to UPMC Altoona. Two of the victims were later transported to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. The severity of those injuries are unclear at this time.

Two adjacent buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue were also impacted by the fire.

There were reports of a gas odor before the home exploded that Peoples Natural Gas (PNG) responded to. PNG was at the home and had called for additional resources to help just before the explosion, according to AMED Director, Gary Watters.

A PNG crew was still on the scene of the accident Tuesday morning. It is no longer considered an active gas leak, according to officials.

As of 8 a.m. on July 27, residences along the 1300 block and 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue are still on evacuation status.