BRISTOL TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Two people have died after an apparent gas explosion caused part of a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to collapse Tuesday afternoon.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed the two deaths during a news conference Tuesday evening.
Police initially reported a third death but later clarified that one of the original victims was resuscitated at a local hospital. During a final search of the building, authorities recovered one female employee deceased, briefly raising concerns that the death toll had increased. Officials later confirmed that all employees and residents have now been accounted for.
The search has ended, and investigators are now working to determine the cause of the explosion.
Action News also learned that 20 people were transported to multiple hospitals. Their conditions have not been released.
The explosion happened around 2:15 p.m. at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, located on the 900 block of Tower Road in Bristol Township.
PECO confirmed that crews responded to the facility around 2 p.m. after receiving reports of a gas odor. The explosion occurred while crews were on scene. PECO said it is still unclear whether its equipment or natural gas played a role in the incident.
Video from the Action Cam showed flames shooting from the building, with debris scattered across the area.
The facility is operated by Ohio-based Saber Healthcare Group. In a Facebook post Tuesday night, the company said, “We are working closely with local authorities, and our primary focus remains on the well-being of residents, staff, and their families.”
One employee said she has been trying to reach co-workers but has not received any responses. She also told Action News that she had reported a gas smell over the weekend.
Another man at the scene said his wife works at the nursing home and that he had not yet heard from her.
Emergency responders from Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey assisted in the response.
“I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over,” said State Rep. Tina Davis, whose district includes the facility. She said she approached the scene but did not want to interfere with rescue efforts.
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said anyone needing help locating a loved one affected by the explosion should go to Lower Bucks Hospital at 501 Bath Road in Bristol or call 215-785-9200.
“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. We don’t know at this point,” Davis said.
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