Additional Coverage:
- Explosion at Pennsylvania senior home leaves at least people 2 dead, several hospitalized (foxnews.com)
Tragic Explosion Rocks Bristol Senior Living Facility, Two Confirmed Dead
Bristol, PA – A devastating explosion and partial building collapse at a senior living facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday has claimed at least two lives and left several others injured. Authorities are actively investigating the cause, with preliminary indications pointing to a gas leak.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the media Tuesday evening, describing the explosion as “quite catastrophic.” He confirmed two fatalities and stated that a number of individuals remain unaccounted for.
Emergency crews swiftly responded to reports of an explosion on Tower Road in Bristol around 2:15 p.m. The incident occurred at the Silver Lake Nursing Home, leading to multiple reports of people trapped inside the damaged structure.
Fire and EMS units from numerous jurisdictions converged on the scene, with dozens of first responders dedicating themselves to extensive rescue efforts.
PECO Energy Company (PECO) confirmed their crews had responded to reports of a gas odor at the Silver Lake Nursing Home shortly after 2 p.m. While on site, the explosion occurred.
Immediately following the blast, PECO personnel cut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of both first responders and local residents. The company noted that it is currently unknown if PECO equipment or natural gas was directly involved in the incident.
Officials at the Tuesday evening news conference detailed how fire crews arrived within minutes to find a major structural collapse, with portions of the first floor having plummeted into the basement, trapping residents. Rescuers immediately launched into action, pulling numerous residents from the building through doors and windows.
Some individuals were found trapped in stairwells and even an elevator shaft. Reports later indicated that up to 20 people were hospitalized following the incident.
Governor Shapiro lauded the heroic actions of first responders, recounting how one police officer carried two individuals over his shoulders to safety. “I think that too often, oftentimes in our communities, we don’t appreciate that type of heroism, and that is what was on display here in Bucks County today,” he remarked, highlighting the selflessness of police officers and firefighters who rushed towards danger.
Two individuals were also successfully rescued from the collapsed structure in the basement. At one point, emergency crews detected a strong gas odor, prompting a rapid evacuation of everyone they could find.
Approximately 30 seconds after exiting the building, a second explosion and subsequent fire erupted. Fire crews were able to contain this blaze, preventing further spread.
While officials could not provide definitive numbers for those injured or rescued due to the varied hospitals they were transported to, rescue operations are ongoing, with crews still in “rescue mode” rather than “recovery mode.”
Local residents also demonstrated the spirit of community, stepping forward to offer assistance to emergency personnel, a gesture praised by Governor Shapiro. “Look, I think this is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need,” he stated.
Governor Shapiro concluded by asking all Pennsylvanians to join him in prayer for the community, for those still missing and injured, and for the families facing an empty chair at their Christmas tables.
Earlier in the day, State Rep. Tina Davis expressed her deep concern regarding the incident and urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to conduct their vital work. “My thoughts are with the residents, their families, and the staff during this frightening situation,” she said.