A sudden explosion Tuesday afternoon at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, has claimed two lives and left at least twenty people wounded.
The Incident
The building, formerly known as the Silver Lake Nursing Home, was struck by an explosion that killed Muthoni Nduthu, a 52-year-old employee, and a second victim whose identity has not yet been released. Emergency crews and nearby residents rushed inside to rescue those trapped, including Howard “Tiger” McDuffie, who was inside the facility when the blast occurred.
Howard “Tiger” McDuffie
Cindy McDuffie, Howard’s sister, spoke to NBC10 about the ordeal. She explained that Howard had suffered a stroke ten years earlier, which left him paralyzed on one side and severely limited his speech. “He kept crying and crying because he didn’t understand what happened or why it happened,” McDuffie told the station.
After the explosion, first responders found Howard and pushed him outside. A niece discovered him outside, shivering in the cold. He was taken to Lower Bucks County Hospital, where he sat in a chair all night until around midnight.
McDuffie says Howard is physically okay but remains shaken. “My heart of course goes out to all the other victims and the deceased,” she said. “So tragic. Just truly a tragic incident that’s not heard of in that area.” She added that her main concern is helping her brother recover emotionally in the weeks and months ahead.
Searching for Lamont
Howard’s brother, Lamont, was also inside the building. According to Cindy, Lamont was getting a haircut in the exact location where the building collapsed. He had not seen his roommate, Lamont’s roommate, who was a longtime friend and community member. “He hasn’t seen his roommate,” McDuffie said. “And I got that from his daughter. That we’re still looking for his roommate.”
The Johnson Brothers’ Perspective
Ruhmon and Keevon Johnson, twins whose father Lamont and uncle Samuel were also present, shared their family’s experience with NBC10’s Brian Sheehan. Both Lamont and Samuel had recently begun living at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center after suffering strokes. Lamont’s brother Samuel was with him during the explosion.
Ruhmon recalled that Lamont had been cutting his hair when he first smelled gas. “I smell gas,” Lamont said, and then the explosion occurred. Both men were buried beneath the rubble. Ruhmon described the scene: “The first floor just caved in, sheetrock and water just pouring out. They both were knocked out. My uncle said that he went out for a minute and then he got back up and realized that my dad was under the sheetrock.”
The Johnson brothers noted that their cousin, who worked as a dietitian and had just started the week, was also inside the building. All three men were injured and taken to hospitals. The father remains in critical condition.
Keevon detailed the injuries: “His jaw’s broken. There are some bones broken in his head,” he said. “Some swelling on the brain.” Ruhmon added: “Bleeding on the brain. Bleeding in the liver.”
Faith and Prayer
Both brothers emphasized the importance of prayer during this difficult time. “Joining us in prayer and supporting our family,” Keevon said. “Adding their faith to our faith. We just trust God.” They request continued prayers for their father’s recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Explosion at Bristol Health and Rehab Center killed two, injured at least twenty.
- Howard “Tiger” McDuffie survived but is emotionally affected; his brother Lamont remains missing.
- Lamont, Samuel, and a cousin were buried under rubble; the father is in critical condition with multiple injuries.
The incident has shocked the Bucks County community and highlighted the vulnerability of nursing facilities to unexpected hazards. Local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion while families seek support and answers.
Closing
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on the families affected by the tragedy. The community’s call for prayer and support underscores the collective grief and the need for compassion in the aftermath of this devastating event.
