Explosion at Bucks County Nursing Home Kills 2, Leaves Others Missing
Two individuals have lost their lives following a devastating gas explosion at a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This tragic incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, commonly referred to as Silver Lake Nursing Home.
Incident Overview
The explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m. on the 900 block of Tower Road in Bristol Township. Emergency crews were already on site responding to reports of a gas odor when the explosion took place.
Response and Casualties
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reported at a press conference on Tuesday evening that two people were confirmed dead. Rescuers believe that five others may still be trapped under the debris, but these numbers are preliminary.
- Time of Incident: 2:15 p.m.
- Location: Bristol Health and Rehab Center, Bristol Township
- Confirmed Deaths: 2
- Missing Persons: 5 (estimated)
Emergency Response
The incident was classified as a ‘mass casualty incident’ by local authorities. Police have urged the public to avoid the area due to the extensive emergency response, which includes teams from neighboring Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.
Local Insights
One employee at the facility expressed concern, sharing her efforts to contact co-workers without success. A man at the scene reported that he had not heard from his wife, who works at the nursing home.
Witnesses described the scene, noting smoke and an overwhelming number of emergency vehicles. State Rep. Tina Davis, whose district includes the nursing home, remarked on the large-scale response seen at the location.
Facility Details
The nursing home in question is operated by Saber Healthcare Group based in Ohio and has a total of 174 beds. Jim Morgan, the president of the Bristol Township School Board, announced that district buses are being utilized to transport evacuees to a reunification center at Truman High School.
Emergency management officials are coordinating efforts to provide immediate support and resources to those affected. Ruth Miller from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency expressed her sorrow over the situation, emphasizing the community’s hope for positive outcomes.
This incident underscores the importance of safety protocols and community readiness in emergencies, especially in facilities that house vulnerable populations.
