An explosion and fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol kills two, injures others, with rescue efforts ongoing.
At least two people have died, and several others are injured following an explosion and fire at a nursing home in Pennsylvania. The blast, which caused a partial collapse of the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, was reported around 2:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT) on Tuesday after emergency crews received reports of a gas smell. Upon arrival, the building exploded, igniting a massive fire.
Five people remain unaccounted for, but authorities are unsure whether they were inside the building at the time of the explosion. Emergency responders quickly pulled residents from windows, stairwells, and elevators, rushing them to safety. One police officer even carried two people over his shoulders to safety, according to Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito.
Several individuals were trapped in the basement of the collapsed building but were later rescued, Dippolito confirmed. “We’re still in rescue mode and have not transitioned into recovery,” he said. Emergency crews continue to search for anyone still trapped inside.
Governor Josh Shapiro stated that the exact number of injuries remains unclear, and the cause of the blast is under investigation. Images shared by local media show a building partially collapsed, with massive flames pouring from the structure.
Governor Shapiro praised the regional response, noting that local residents also offered their help. “This is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need,” he said.
