Sewickley Heights, PA — An explosion that demolished a caretaker’s house on a local estate last December remains shrouded in mystery as the homeowner prepares for reconstruction. The incident, which occurred on John Tippins’ extensive property, miraculously left an HVAC technician severely injured but alive, despite the severity of the blast.
According to neighbor Rich Engler, who was drawn to the scene by the force of the explosion, he found the technician disoriented, wandering through the wreckage. “He was burnt from his hands up to his biceps, but miraculously, nothing worse,” Engler recounted. The technician, employed by J.A. Sauer Co. Heating & Air Conditioning, survived but details about his recovery remain sparse as his employer has not responded to inquiries regarding his current condition.
The explosion happened during routine service work and has been ruled an accident by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal. However, the specific cause of the blast has not been fully determined. “It was related to the service work being performed,” explained Kasey Reigner, a spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Emergency Services.
Adding to the complexity is that natural gas pipes leading to the demolished structure, affectionately known as “the baby house,” were found to be outdated months prior to the incident. Tippins had hired contractors to replace the gas line after discovering the old pipes during a landscaping project. Despite the replacement, the explosion still occurred shortly after the furnace was lit by the technician employed by J.A. Sauer.
The property, a historically rich area designated entirely as an historic district in Pennsylvania, is overseen by the borough’s Historical Architectural Review Board. As Tippins plans to rebuild the caretaker’s house, now intending to erect a cottage more stylistically aligned with the main house built around 1938, these plans are currently under review. “We hope to break ground in the spring if we can get our ducks in a row,” Tippins optimistically noted.
Borough manager Nate Briggs underscored the importance of preserving the historic integrity of area properties. The review process aims to ensure that new constructions harmonize with the existing architectural landscape.
The tragic event has left the community with unanswered questions and a wariness towards the unexpected dangers that can arise from routine property maintenance. As authorities continue to investigate and the community awaits clear answers, the prospect of renewal at the site offers a semblance of closure to a daunting chapter for the residents of Sewickley Heights.