BREAKING: A devastating explosion at a nursing home in Bucks County has resulted in at least two fatalities and left five individuals unaccounted for. The incident occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. today at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, where emergency responders are currently in “rescue mode,” searching for potential victims trapped within the debris.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the tragic news at a press briefing, urging residents to pray for the affected families. “We ask for your thoughts for this community, for those who are still missing, and for those who are injured,” he stated, highlighting the emotional toll as families approach the holiday season.
Witnesses reported a thunderous “kaboom” that sent a plume of black smoke into the sky, with local residents describing chaos as they saw flames shooting from the building. Eyewitness Willie Tye, who lives nearby, said he initially thought an airplane had crashed. “I saw fire everywhere and people escaping the building,” he recounted.
Emergency crews from across the region quickly responded, facing flames and a heavy odor of gas. Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito reported that firefighters rescued individuals trapped in stairwells and elevator shafts, using extraordinary measures to pull residents to safety. “It was nothing short of extraordinary,” he remarked, as some responders handed off patients to police officers outside.
The local gas utility, PECO, indicated that their crews were on site investigating reports of a gas leak when the explosion occurred. They have since shut off natural gas and electric service to ensure the safety of first responders and nearby residents. Experts from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission are expected to investigate further, but officials indicated that the cause remains preliminary.
As the situation unfolds, the nursing home’s owner, Saber Healthcare Group, is cooperating with local authorities. The facility, previously known as Silver Lake Healthcare Center, has faced scrutiny in past inspections. A report from October noted multiple compliance issues, including inadequate fire safety measures.
As of now, authorities have not released the names of the deceased or the identities of the unaccounted individuals. The urgency of the rescue efforts continues, with responders utilizing search dogs and sonar equipment to locate those still missing.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols in care facilities. As investigations continue, families and the community are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic explosion.
For ongoing updates and developments on this story, stay tuned.
