Human Remains Discovered in Pennsylvania While Doing Excavation Work for Pipeline

The human remains were discovered by utility workers doing construction on a pipeline

Photo byJon ButterworthonUnsplash

A utility crew with Peoples Natural Gas Co. was forced to suspend the construction of a gas pipeline in Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania when human remains were found in the area.

On June 20th, 2023, contractors and workers discovered the remains four to five feet underneath Short Canal Street while they were doing excavation work. Once unearthed, they ceased digging and immediately called the police, according to KDKA. The county medical examiner's office confirmed that their findings were indeed human remains on June 23rd.

Daniel DiMaio was taking out the trash when he saw some commotion on his street. "It was shocking," DiMaio said. "I walked by them, and I heard they found bones."

The gas company workers were said to have been digging on private property along Short Canal Street as part of a larger, long-term project to replace old pipelines, Triblive reported.

"Myself and another officer responded. We came across what we believed to be some bones, unsure if they were human or animal," Sharpsburg Police Chief Tom Stelitano said.

The next day, county forensic crews scoured the area where the remains were found to see if they could recover anything else. Stelitano said that they did find more remains in the form of small bone fragments.

The medical examiner’s office says it is possible the site is part of a Native American burial ground. As a result, it is going to consult with experts in anthropology and archaeology to help determine the age and origin of the remains.

“You know the first settlers here were probably Seneca Indians, so we’re not sure what we came across,” Stelitano said to KDKA. “Maybe some history.”

Since the remains might be Native American, the State Historic Preservation Office of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recommends leaving the remains where they were found so that “groups that may be culturally affiliated with or may be lineal descendants of the deceased” can be consulted.

The Medical Examiner’s said it will take “all measures to respect and protect the property and remains.”