An explosion at a Bucks County nursing home resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the hospitalization of 20 others on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, as reported by NBC Philadelphia. Responders from multiple counties, including Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia, as well as Burlington County in New Jersey, were called to the scene of the explosion, which also led to a partial collapse of the building.
Initial reports indicated an additional fatality, but one victim was later revived at a local hospital, reducing the confirmed death toll to two. The blast has compelled authorities to temporarily rely on neighboring resources to help manage the critical situation. “We understand that there are people trapped inside,” Ruth Miller, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, stated, according to a FOX 29 report.
Prior to the explosion, PECO crews had been dispatched following reports of a gas odor and were on site when the explosion occurred. A statement by PECO, obtained by FOX 29, clarified, "PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents." The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed as related to PECO's equipment or the presence of natural gas.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the swift actions of the firefighters and police, stating, "Firefighters rushed to this scene in order to contain the explosion... and most importantly in order to rescue people." This sentiment of community support was echoed in Shapiro's remarks, celebrating the "Pennsylvania way, neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need," as noted by FOX 29.
The nursing home, operated by Saber Healthcare Group, recently experienced an ownership change, with plans to upgrade the facility's standards. In a post on Facebook, the company expressed that its primary focus remains on the well-being of residents, staff, and their families. The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania has stepped in, offering assistance to those seeking information about affected family members, as reported by Action News. The full implications of the incident are ongoing, with an official investigation underway to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion.
