A tragic incident unfolded at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, where two explosions led to the deaths of two individuals and left 20 others injured. Emergency services responded to initial reports of an explosion and a gas odor around 14:00 local time, following which they evacuated residents.
Tragically, just 15 to 30 seconds after the evacuation, a second explosion occurred, resulting in a fire and a partial collapse of the building. Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito stated that preliminary investigations point to a potential gas leak as the cause, though inquiries are ongoing.
Local gas provider PECO confirmed that their crew was responding to reports of a gas smell when the explosions occurred. They are still determining whether their equipment was involved in the incident.
Images shared on social media depicted immense flames engulfing the nursing home, with debris scattered in the area. Mr. Dippolito praised the quick actions of a police officer who rescued two individuals from the building amidst the chaos.
In the aftermath, families waited anxiously for news of their loved ones. Cathleen O'Donnell expressed her relief after learning her sister, Sandra Hart, had survived but was still awaiting more information about her sister’s condition.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commended the community’s response, highlighting how neighbors rushed to help first responders, embodying the spirit of camaraderie during times of crisis.
