2 dead, multiple people injured in explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed several hours later that at least two people had died. Initial reports suggested a possible gas leak may have triggered the explosion, though officials had not confirmed the cause.
At least two people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a nursing home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday afternoon.
Bucks County emergency officials said they received the first report at around 2:17 pm (local time) at the Silver Lake Nursing Home. Firefighters and rescue crews from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Burlington County in New Jersey, rushed to the scene.
The Associated Press reported that the explosion originated in the basement of the facility and was followed by a fire that quickly escalated to two alarms. A portion of the building collapsed, trapping people inside, according to emergency management officials.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed several hours later that at least two people had died.
GAS LEAK REPORTED BEFORE BLAST
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, but officials said a gas odor had been reported shortly before the blast.
PECO, the local gas utility, confirmed its crews were responding to a call at the nursing home when the explosion occurred.
"Shortly after 2 pm, PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the Silver Lake Nursing Home at 905 Tower Road in Bristol Township, Bucks County," the company said in a statement to NBC Philadelphia.
"While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents."
PRIOR SAFETY VIOLATIONS FLAGGED
The explosion has drawn renewed attention to the facility’s safety record. According to inspection reports cited by NBC Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Health found the nursing home was not in compliance with multiple fire and life safety requirements during its most recent inspection in October.
The report said the facility failed to provide accurate floor plans showing fire barriers, exits and smoke compartments. Inspectors also found problems with smoke barrier partitions, improperly maintained stairways, portable fire extinguishers, and the storage of oxygen cylinders. One inspection noted that a door in the oxygen storage area failed to close “smoke-tight.”
The facility had been given until the end of November to address the deficiencies. State officials have been contacted to confirm whether those issues were corrected.
According to Medicare.gov, the 174-bed facility carries an overall rating of “much below average,” with particularly poor scores for health inspections, though a fire safety inspection in September 2024 did not result in citations.
The owner of the nursing home, Saber Healthcare Group, said it was cooperating with local authorities.