In a devastating incident, a gas explosion at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, resulted in the loss of two lives on Tuesday afternoon. The explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the facility located on the 900 block of Tower Road in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the fatalities during a news conference held later that evening.
Emergency responders have confirmed that all employees and residents of the nursing home have been accounted for following the incident. Initially, reports indicated that a third individual had died; however, this was later clarified. One of the original victims was successfully resuscitated at a local hospital, while a female employee was later found deceased during the final search efforts.
In total, 20 individuals were transported to various hospitals, although their conditions remain unknown. PECO, the utility company, confirmed that their crews were on-site around 2 p.m. after receiving reports of a gas odor. The explosion occurred while these crews were addressing the situation. As of now, it is unclear if PECO’s equipment or the natural gas itself was a contributing factor to the explosion.
Video footage captured by Action Cam displayed flames erupting from the nursing home, with debris scattered across the area. This facility is managed by the Saber Healthcare Group, an organization based in Ohio. In a Facebook post issued on Tuesday night, Saber Healthcare expressed their commitment to cooperating with local authorities while prioritizing the well-being of residents, staff, and their families.
One employee at the nursing home reported to Action News that she had detected a gas smell over the weekend, raising concerns about safety. Rescuers from neighboring Montgomery County, the city of Philadelphia, and even New Jersey were called in to assist with the emergency response. State Representative Tina Davis, whose district encompasses the nursing home, described the scene as chaotic, noting, "I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city."
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania has stepped in to offer assistance to families affected by the tragedy. They have encouraged anyone seeking help in locating a loved one involved in the incident to visit Lower Bucks Hospital located at 501 Bath Road, Bristol, or to call 215-785-9200.
As the investigation continues into the cause of this tragic nursing home explosion, community members are expressing their grief. Representative Davis remarked on the somber nature of the event, saying, "It's just so sad - it's that hopeful time of year. This is just something that is sad for everybody and the families and the workers that are there. I hope there's positive results from this." The community stands united in support of those affected by this heart-wrenching incident.