by Bristol Township, Pennsylvania — A suspected natural gas explosion tore through a nursing home in Bucks County on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least two people, injuring dozens more, and trapping residents inside as part of the building collapsed, officials said.
The blast occurred around 2:20 p.m. at Silver Lake Nursing Home, located roughly 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia, triggering a massive emergency response from fire crews, police, and rescue teams across the region.
Governor Calls Explosion “Catastrophic”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described the incident as devastating while speaking at a news conference Tuesday evening.
“This is a very, very tragic moment,” Shapiro said, calling the explosion catastrophic.
Officials confirmed that at least two people were killed, while 20 others were injured and taken to area hospitals, according to Bristol Township Police Chief Charles Winik Jr..
Residents Trapped After Partial Building Collapse
Fire officials said the explosion caused part of the first floor to collapse into the basement, creating extremely dangerous conditions for residents and first responders.
Bristol Township Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito said rescue crews were forced to pull residents through windows and elevator shafts to get them out safely.
“There was one police officer who literally threw two people over his shoulders to get them care,” Dippolito said.
As of Tuesday evening, five people were initially unaccounted for, though officials cautioned that some may have left the scene with family members amid the chaos.
Gas Odor Reported Before and After Explosion
Utility provider PECO confirmed that crews were already at the nursing home investigating reports of a gas odor when the explosion occurred.
Dippolito said that after the initial blast, firefighters inside the building continued to smell strong natural gas, followed by a second explosion. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further, officials said.
Cause Under Investigation, Gas Leak Suspected
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though Shapiro said preliminary information points to a possible gas leak.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police have deployed additional resources and personnel to assist local authorities.
Officials confirmed that new owners had taken over the facility just weeks ago, and the Health Department inspected the site on December 10. Plans were reportedly in place to upgrade the nursing home and improve standards.
Community and Neighborhood React
Neighbor Keshawn Lovelace said he was shaken by the explosion and deeply concerned for the residents.
“I’m hurt,” Lovelace said. “This is my neighborhood, so I feel like they are my family.”
The blast could be felt throughout the surrounding area, and many nearby residents were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
Disaster Declaration Issued
Bristol Township officials declared a local disaster, allowing access to additional emergency resources. A technical rescue task force from Philadelphia has been requested to assist with the search and recovery efforts.
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Heavy machinery is expected to be used to dig into the collapsed basement, while rescue teams continue searching by hand.
“We are still in rescue mode until we know the building is clear,” Dippolito said.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
As night fell, first responders remained on scene, working carefully through unstable debris in hopes of locating any remaining victims. Officials stressed that every possible effort is being made to account for all residents and staff.
Authorities say updates will be released as more information becomes available and once the building has been fully cleared.
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