At a Glance
- A gas leak reported at 9 a.m. preceded a deadly explosion at Bristol Health & Rehab Center
- Three residents died and at least 20 others were injured
- Wheelchair-bound survivor Robert Flesch says he still smelled gas after being told it was safe to return
- Why it matters: Families are suing the facility and PECO, alleging negligence in handling the leak
Wheelchair-bound resident Robert Flesch started December 23, 2025, with his usual routine-until staff rushed in to announce a gas leak and shuffle him to the common area. Hours later, after being assured the danger had passed, he returned to his room only to survive an explosion that killed three and injured at least 20.
Timeline of the Blast
9 a.m. Staff evacuate Flesch’s room and move residents to the common area after smelling gas.
Afternoon Workers announce PECO fixed the leak and declare the building safe.
Minutes later The facility erupts; Flesch escapes with help from an aide as the structure collapses.
> “Within three minutes, all hell broke loose, and the whole building just collapsed.”
>
> – Robert Flesch, survivor
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence
Four injured victims filed suit in Philadelphia court against:
- Bristol Health & Rehab Center LLC
- PECO
The complaint claims both parties “were aware of a gas leak … and failed to take the steps necessary to evacuate the building, fix the leak and protect the residents, workers and others.”
PECO declined comment, citing the ongoing NTSB investigation.
Life After the Explosion
Flesch now lives 80 miles away, haunted by memories.
> “I wake up and it’s like I hear the screaming. I’m still in shock.”
>
> – Robert Flesch
He misses his daily coffee circle and has no word on where his friends are.
> “God had me in a bearhug because if I was one inch to the left or one inch to the right, I’d have been decimated.”
>
> – Robert Flesch
Key Takeaways
- Three deaths and 20-plus injuries followed an earlier gas-leak warning
- Survivor says he still smelled gas when staff cleared residents to return
- Lawsuit claims both the nursing home and PECO knew of the hazard yet failed to act
- Federal investigators have not yet released findings
Flesch vows to keep going: “We’re going to hang in there. We’re going to make it.”
