At a Glance
- Explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home killed 2 and injured 20.
- First floor collapsed into basement after a gas leak.
- Victim Muthoni Nduthu, 52, was identified by the Bucks County Coroner.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights potential safety violations in nursing homes and impacts the local community.
A gas leak triggered an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, leaving two residents dead and 20 others injured. The first floor collapsed into the basement, trapping people inside. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are assessing safety code compliance.
Explosion Details
PECO responded to a reported gas odor at 905 Tower Road around 2 p.m. While crews were on site, the explosion tore the first floor into the basement, causing a massive fire.
- PECO crews were on the building when the blast occurred.
- The first floor collapsed into the basement.
- Police and firefighters from multiple counties rushed to the scene.
All missing persons were accounted for by Wednesday.
Victims and Investigation
The Bucks County First Deputy Coroner identified one of the deceased as Muthoni Nduthu, a 52-year-old employee of the nursing home. The second victim’s identity has not yet been released.
A safety inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Health found the facility was non-compliant with several Life Safety Code requirements.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Beds | 174 | Facility capacity |
| Daily Residents | 151 | Average occupancy |
| Oldest Resident | 95 | Age of oldest resident |
The nursing home, which serves a mix of elderly residents, had a certified bed count of 174 but housed about 151 residents daily, including some as old as 95.
Key Takeaways
- Explosion caused by possible gas leak.
- Two fatalities confirmed, one identified as Muthoni Nduthu.
- Facility non-compliance with safety code under investigation.
Authorities continue to probe the cause of the blast and the nursing home’s safety practices as the community mourns the loss of two residents.
