Explosion at Bucks County, Pennsylvania, nursing home leaves 3 dead, 21 injured

BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: A suspected gas explosion caused a deadly fire at a nursing home in Bucks County on Tuesday, December 23. Part of the building collapsed, killing three people and leaving at least 21 injured, with multiple others missing, according to the latest reports.

According to ABC7 News, fire crews are still searching for additional victims using search dogs, heavy machinery, and sonar equipment. The incident reportedly occurred around 2:15 pm at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home. The facility is located on the 900 block of Tower Road in Bristol Township.

Officials said a utility crew had been inspecting the building for a possible gas leak earlier that afternoon. Shortly after they left, the explosion occurred. Governor Josh Shapiro said the exact cause remains under investigation.

Gas explosion kills two at Bucks County nursing home

A deadly explosion at a Bucks County nursing home killed three residents and left others trapped inside. The facility has 174 beds, according to ABC7 News. Josh Shapiro said the blast was caused by a gas leak. He did not identify the victims and said it was still unclear how many people were injured.

Authorities initially reported that five people were missing. Shapiro noted that some of those individuals may have already escaped the building safely, but that had not yet been confirmed. According to reports, crews responded to the facility after receiving reports of a gas odor.

Officials said the explosion occurred while crews were already on the scene. Shapiro and other authorities said first responders were seen carrying victims out of the building. “It was nothing short of extraordinary,” officials said during a news briefing. Video from the scene showed flames bursting from the structure, with debris scattered across the surrounding area.

According to ABC7 News, a woman who works at the facility said she had been trying to reach her co-workers, but no one was answering their phones. The nursing home is operated by the Saber Healthcare Group, which is based in Ohio. 

Action News reported that the same woman said she had smelled gas at the facility over the weekend. Officials have asked the public to stay away from the area due to the scale of the emergency response. Police described the situation as a “mass casualty incident.” “I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over,” a witness said.

The Parkland Fire Company shared an image from the scene showing flames tearing through the nursing home and thick black smoke billowing into the air. “We understand that there are people trapped inside,” said Ruth Miller, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Lawmakers urge prayers after Bucks County nursing home blast

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said he and his team are monitoring the situation as authorities assist the injured. "For everyone’s safety, I urge you to please avoid the area," he wrote on Facebook. 

"Please also join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the dedicated staff who care for them, and our brave first responders who rushed to the scene and ran toward danger without hesitation." 

Tina Davis shared, “I am deeply concerned by the reports of an explosion and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township."