2 killed, 20 injured after gas leak explosion at Bristol nursing home

BRISTOL, Pa. - A catastrophic explosion rocked a nursing home in Bristol, leaving two people dead, and 20 people hospitalized on Tuesday.

Nursing home explosion

What we know:

The explosion was reported around 2:30 p.m. at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol. 

Witnesses told FOX 29 that there were gas crews working in the area.

Firefighters and police officers quickly responded to the scene, rescuing residents trapped in the collapsed structure. "Fire department personnel immediately went into rescue mode," said Kevin Dippolito, Bristol Township's fire chief and emergency management director.

PECO said on Tuesday that crews were called out to the facility around 2 p.m., after reports of a gas odor. "While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility," the statement said. "PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents."

On Wednesday, PECO issued the following statement to FOX 29:

"PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor on Dec. 23 at the Silver Lake Nursing Home at 905 Tower Road in Bristol Township, Bucks County. A few hours later, 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. The cause of this incident is under investigation. It is not known at this time if PECO’s equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident. Please direct all questions to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation. Our hearts go out to the families and community affected by this tragic event."

Explosion left several people trapped

According to officials, the explosion caused part of the building to collapse, trapping several people inside.

Officials confirmed that two people, a resident and an employee at the facility, died in the incident. Crews originally reported that three people had died, but one was resuscitated at the hospital. 

"We have just been informed that the patient that was transported to St. Mary’s. Medical Center was resuscitated. We are trying to confirm if they are in stable condition. We are only confirming two deceased at this time," said Bristol Towhship Police Chief Winik.

Twenty other people were hospitalized. As of Wednesday, one of them has been released. One person remains in critical condition. 

Everyone is accounted for.

The backstory:

The facility recently changed ownership, and the state Department of Health conducted a visit earlier this month. 

A plan was in place for the new owners to upgrade the facility's standards. 

The explosion is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, with a strong odor of gas noted by first responders. 

Community response 

What they're saying:

"Firefighters rushed to this scene in order to contain the explosion... and most importantly in order to rescue people," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. 

The community's response was described as heroic, with police officers and firefighters working together to save lives. 

"This is the Pennsylvania way, neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need," said Shapiro.

"I've never seen such heroism," said Winik, of police officers and firefighters responding to the scene. "They were running into a building that I could from 50 feet away still smell gas and [see] walls that look like they're gonna fall down, and they were still going into the building to recover people. They couldn't walk. They were in wheelchairs. Some people couldn't talk. This could have been a much more serious catastrophe."

Winik also highlighted the efforts of staff from the nearby hospital who jumped in to help, calling them "a blessing."

Ongoing efforts

What's next:

The American Red Cross issued the following statement: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Tuesday afternoon's tragic explosion at an extended care facility in Bristol, Bucks County.The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania responded with a team of trained disaster workers shortly after the emergency occurred in coordination with our local, county and state partners. Red Cross volunteers spent the afternoon and evening supporting nearly two dozen families who were looking to be reunited with loved ones."

Anyone who needs help locating a family member that has been affected is asked to go to Lower Bucks Hospital, 501 Bath Road, Bristol, or call 215-785-9200.

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