At least two people have died following a catastrophic explosion at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, causing a massive fire, officials said, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to WPVI.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the facility, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito reported that the explosion caused a significant structural collapse, with parts of the first floor caving into the basement and individuals trapped inside.
Authorities confirmed two fatalities from the blast. Although local officials initially reported a third death, Bristol Township Police Chief CJ Winik clarified that the individual was resuscitated at a local hospital, keeping the official death toll at two. Earlier reports of five missing persons were later corrected, with all employees and residents accounted for as the search concluded.
Twenty people remained hospitalized following the explosion, according to Fire Chief Dippolito. The cause is under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest a gas leak triggered the blast. Emergency responders noted a strong natural gas odor at the scene, and a secondary explosion occurred during the response. The leak originated in the basement of the facility.
Energy company PECO stated that its crews responded to reports of a gas odor shortly after 2 p.m. and that the explosion happened while they were on-site. The company cut off natural gas and electricity to protect first responders and local residents. PECO noted that it is not yet clear whether their equipment or the natural gas supply contributed to the incident.
Governor Josh Shapiro praised the emergency response, highlighting the heroism of firefighters who rushed to contain the explosion, extinguish the fire, and rescue residents. “This is a very, very tragic moment for this community,” Shapiro said at a press briefing.
The nursing home had recently changed ownership earlier this month. The Pennsylvania Department of Health conducted an inspection on December 10 and began working with the new owners on safety improvements. Shapiro emphasized that efforts to enhance safety standards at the facility will continue under the new management.
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