Rustic Ridge House Explosion Litigation

Foremost, the Clontz family tragically lost two beloved family members along with several dear friends in this preventable tragedy. Our clients kindly request privacy as they navigate this profoundly difficult time. They, along with the other families impacted by this devastating event, deserve respect and compassion.

Schiffman Firm does not make statements to the media except when necessary to protect our clients’ best interests or to address matters involving public safety. To that end, the explosion at 141 Rustic Ridge, which resulted in the deaths of six cherished members of the Plum community, was entirely preventable. The failures that led to six tragic deaths are clearly detailed in the lawsuit filed on Jennifer Clontz’s behalf.

While we cannot comprehensively address all of the misinformation surrounding this incident at this time, we believe it is necessary to clarify certain essential facts:

• The pipeline gas leak near 141 Rustic Ridge was substantial, originating not from a minor “pinhole” leak but from a significant rupture exceeding 2.5 inches in length.
• The gas released from this leak was not odorized and was therefore undetectable by smell.
• The leaking pipeline segment near 141 Rustic Ridge was overpressurized for months leading up to the explosion, with pressures continually rising until the time of the August 12, 2023 incident.
• On August 8, 2023, Peoples Gas issued a “shut-in” order upon discovering that Penneco’s regulator failed to maintain gas pressure within established parameters. Although this shut-in order halted Penneco’s distribution of natural gas through the pipeline, the pipeline itself remained pressurized.
• On August 12, 2023, while this shut-in was still in effect, the tragic explosion occurred at 141 Rustic Ridge.
• Following the subject explosion, Penneco was issued a “health and safety” violation under OGA3259(2)(ii) for its unlawful conduct on the basis that its pipeline was found to be “leaking gas into adjacent soils.”

Schiffman Firm litigates its cases in a court of law, not through the media. We look forward to presenting all relevant facts, evidence, expert analysis, and supporting documentation at trial.