On Tuesday afternoon, a devastating gas explosion shook the Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The explosion, which occurred around 2:15 p.m., led to the tragic deaths of at least two individuals, with several others reported missing.
Details of the Explosion
The incident took place at the nursing home, commonly referred to as Silver Lake Nursing Home, located on the 900 block of Tower Road, Bristol Township. PECO, the local energy company, responded to the scene after receiving reports of a gas odor around 2 p.m., moments before the explosion occurred.
Video footage from the scene captured flames rising from the building, with debris scattered in the vicinity.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
This nursing home, operated by Saber Healthcare Group based in Ohio, has 174 beds. Following the explosion, emergency responders from Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey rushed to the site. Local authorities labeled the event a ‘mass casualty incident.’
- Emergency services reported a significant presence of fire trucks and ambulances.
- A temporary evacuation area was proposed at a nearby school.
- Bristol Township School Board district buses transported individuals from the explosion scene to Truman High School, serving as a reunification center.
Ongoing Search and Community Impact
Local resident and State Representative Tina Davis expressed her distress after witnessing the scale of the emergency response. She highlighted discussions about utilizing a nearby school for evacuees and acknowledged the emotional toll on families and staff.
Further complicating the situation, a worker from the nursing home reported having alerted colleagues to a gas smell over the previous weekend. Many employees and their families remain in distress, attempting to make contact or gather information about their loved ones.
Official Statements
During a press conference in the evening, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the fatalities and acknowledged that others might still be unaccounted for. Ruth Miller, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the tragedy and the community’s hope for positive developments.
The situation continues to evolve as rescue efforts are underway, and families await news about their loved ones involved in this unfortunate event.
