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At least two people have died following a devastating explosion at a nursing home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, with rescue operations underway to locate survivors amidst the wreckage. The blast occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, sending shockwaves through the community just days before Christmas.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the fatalities during a press conference late Tuesday, describing the scene as one of immense tragedy. He urged prayers for the community, those still missing, the injured, and the families facing an empty seat at their holiday tables. The explosion rocked the 174-bed facility around 2 p.m. ET, approximately 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.
Emergency crews, including fire trucks, ambulances, and police, swarmed the facility as reports emerged of residents trapped inside. Video footage captured thick plumes of black smoke and flames billowing from the building, which sustained significant structural damage, including collapsed sections of the roof and blown-out windows. The immediate priority for first responders was a thorough search for any individuals unaccounted for.
Officials have classified the incident as a “mass casualty incident,” with fire chief Kevin Dippolito stating that five individuals were initially unaccounted for, though some may have left with family. The Upper Makefield Township Police Department advised the public to avoid the area due to the extensive emergency response. Evacuations were carried out by emergency personnel, facility staff, and even civilian bystanders, with a reunification center established at Truman High School.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though emergency officials are describing it as a potential gas explosion. Local utility company PECO confirmed that its crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the nursing home shortly before the incident and subsequently shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure safety. The exact origin and trigger of the blast have not yet been definitively identified.
Records indicate the nursing home’s last fire safety inspection in September 2024 yielded no citations for fire safety or emergency preparedness. However, the facility has a concerning overall rating of one star, with its health inspections described as “much below average.” The Independent has reached out to relevant authorities for further comment on the ongoing investigation and the facility’s inspection history.
State Representative Tina Davis, whose district encompasses the nursing home, described the overwhelming emergency presence upon her arrival at the scene. She witnessed a vast number of emergency vehicles converging from across the region, underscoring the scale of the disaster. Governor Shapiro stated his administration is in close contact with local officials and first responders, offering full support and necessary resources.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, both from Pennsylvania, have expressed their condolences and are closely monitoring the situation. Both officials urged the public to avoid the affected area and to offer prayers for the safety of residents, staff, and first responders. Social media commentary from various figures also highlighted the heartbreaking timing of the tragedy, occurring so close to the Christmas holiday.
