Key Takeaways
- A gas explosion occurred at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple missing persons.
- The explosion happened while crews were on the scene investigating a reported gas odor, and it caused a portion of the building to collapse.
- The facility has 174 beds, and rescuers from neighboring counties and states have been called in to assist in the response efforts.
- A reunification center has been set up at a nearby school to provide aid and support to residents and families affected by the incident.
- The cause of the gas explosion is still unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Introduction to the Incident
The community of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is in shock after a devastating gas explosion occurred at a local nursing home, resulting in loss of life and multiple missing persons. The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon 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. According to reports, the explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m., while crews from PECO were on the scene investigating a reported gas odor. The blast caused a portion of the building to collapse, and flames were seen erupting from the structure.
Response Efforts and Casualties
The response to the incident has been swift and extensive, with rescuers from neighboring Montgomery County, the city of Philadelphia, and New Jersey arriving on the scene to assist. The public has been asked to avoid the area due to the large emergency response, which has been classified as a "mass casualty incident." Unfortunately, at least two people have been confirmed dead, and others are still reported missing. The exact number of casualties is still unknown, and rescuers are working to locate anyone who may be trapped inside the building. A reunification center has been set up at Truman High School, where district buses are taking people from the emergency scene to provide aid and support.
Eyewitness Accounts and Facility Information
One woman who works at the facility reported that she had flagged a gas smell over the weekend, but it is unclear if this was related to the explosion. A man who showed up at the scene was frantically trying to contact his wife, who works at the nursing home, but had not heard from her. State Rep. Tina Davis, whose district includes the center, described the scene as chaotic, with multiple fire trucks and ambulances responding from all over the city. The facility, which is operated by the Saber Healthcare Group based in Ohio, has 174 beds, according to a state report. The company has not yet commented on the incident.
Investigation and Community Reaction
The cause of the gas explosion is still unknown, and an investigation is underway. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the deaths and missing persons during a press conference on Tuesday evening. The community is in shock, and many are expressing sadness and hope for the families and workers affected by the incident. Ruth Miller, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, described the situation as "sad for everybody and the families and the workers that are there." The incident has prompted a large-scale response, with multiple agencies working together to provide aid and support to those affected.
Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts
The gas explosion at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center is a devastating incident that has resulted in loss of life and multiple missing persons. The response efforts are ongoing, with rescuers working to locate anyone who may be trapped inside the building. The community is coming together to support the families and workers affected by the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that this incident will have a profound impact on the community, and it will take time and effort to recover from this tragedy.