A powerful explosion struck the 174-bed Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday afternoon, sending flames, smoke, a strong gas odor and a second blast into the area. The blast killed at least two people, collapsed part of the building, and left several residents unaccounted for.
Explosion and Immediate Impact
The first report of the explosion came at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, shortly after a utility crew responded to reports of a gas odor at the facility. Emergency responders from across the region dug through debris and evacuated residents amid flames, smoke, a strong smell of gas and even a second explosion, Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference Tuesday night. The blast occurred roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia.
Rescue Operations
Firefighters described a chaotic scene in which they found people trapped in stairwells and elevator shafts and pulled residents from windows and doors. “Two people were rescued from a collapsed section of the building,” Dippolito said. Firefighters handed patients to police officers waiting outside, including one officer “who literally threw two people over his shoulders.” Rescuers used search dogs, heavy equipment and sonar to locate potential victims. Willie Tye, who lives about a block away, said he was watching a basketball game when he heard a loud boom. “I thought an airplane or something came and fell on my house,” he said. “When I went outside, I saw ‘fire everywhere’ and people fleeing the building.”
Investigation and Gas Utility
The local gas utility, PECO, said its crews were responding to reports of a gas odor when the explosion occurred. The company said it shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to protect first responders and nearby residents. “It is not known at this time if PECO’s equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident,” the utility said in a statement. Investigators from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission went to the scene. A commission spokesperson said a determination that a gas leak caused the explosion cannot be confirmed until investigators examine the site.
Musuline Watson, a certified nursing assistant at the facility, told WPVI-TV that staff smelled gas over the weekend but did not initially suspect a serious problem because there was no heat in that room.
Facility Background and Inspection History
The nursing home recently became affiliated with Saber Healthcare Group and was previously known as Silver Lake Healthcare Center. Saber called the explosion “devastating” in a statement and said facility personnel promptly reported the gas odor to PECO before the blast. The company said it was cooperating with authorities to ensure the safety of residents, staff and the surrounding community.
State inspection records show the facility was cited for multiple violations during an October inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, including failing to provide accurate floor plans, properly maintain stairways and fire extinguishers on one level. Inspectors also cited the facility for lacking required smoke barrier partitions designed to contain smoke across floors. According to Medicare.gov, the facility underwent a standard fire safety inspection in September 2024 and received no citations. Medicare’s overall rating of the facility is listed as “much below average,” with poor ratings for health inspections in particular.
Key Takeaways
- The explosion at Bristol Health & Rehab Center killed at least two people and left several residents missing.
- Investigators are examining whether a gas leak caused the blast, with PECO shutting off gas and electricity to the site.
- The facility has a history of inspection violations and a “much below average” Medicare rating.
The incident has prompted a comprehensive search for victims and a review of the nursing home’s safety protocols as officials continue to investigate the cause of the blast.
