A pair of explosions and a subsequent fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, resulted in the deaths of a female employee and a resident. The tragic incident, which occurred shortly after 2 PM local time on Tuesday, also left 20 individuals injured, according to local officials.
All residents and staff members have now been accounted for, as stated by Police Chief Charles Winik. Initially, there were fears that some people were missing due to the severity of the blasts and flames that engulfed sections of the facility. Emergency responders from the Bucks County area rushed to the scene following reports of the explosions.
Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito noted that the explosions were apparently caused by a gas leak. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a “major structural collapse,” with parts of the building’s first floor crumbling into the basement. Several patients and staff were initially trapped in the devastated area.
Firefighters began working quickly to rescue individuals from the debris, blocked stairwells, and malfunctioning elevators. Dippolito reported that they successfully extricated at least two additional individuals from the basement before retreating due to lingering gas fumes.
“We got everyone out that we could, that we could find, that we could see, and we exited the building,” said Dippolito. Shortly after their evacuation, another explosion occurred as the firefighters were leaving, intensifying the already chaotic situation.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the front of the nursing home appearing to have been blown out from the inside. News footage captured flames and smoke billowing from the building shortly after the initial explosion. The Silver Lake Nursing Home is certified for up to 174 beds, and it typically houses over 50 residents at any given time, with ages ranging from 50 to 95.
Approximately five hours after the explosions, nursing home officials informed authorities that all patients had been accounted for. In the immediate aftermath, bystanders assisted police and firefighters in helping residents to safety. Lieutenant Sean Cosgrove of the Bristol Township Police remarked on the community’s quick response, stating, “This is the Pennsylvania way, neighbours helping neighbours in a moment of need.”
The incident has left the community in shock, as families await information about their loved ones. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed condolences during a news briefing held with fire and police officials, emphasizing the importance of community support in times of crisis. As investigations continue, local authorities are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
