BRISTOL, Pa. — Rescue operations continued as construction crews and drones sifted through the rubble of a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, after a catastrophic explosion on Tuesday afternoon. The incident resulted in at least two deaths, and several residents remain unaccounted for.
Local emergency responders spent Tuesday evening combing through the debris amid the remnants of flames and black smoke. Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the media, revealing that five residents were still unaccounted for but noted that some may have left with family members after the explosion.
The explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center occurred shortly after utility crews had responded to reports of a strong gas odor. Investigators are focused on determining whether a gas leak was a factor in the explosion, though they caution that findings are still preliminary.
Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito described the chaotic rescue efforts where firefighters located people trapped in stairwells and pulled residents to safety from smashed windows. According to Dippolito, two individuals were rescued from a collapsed section of the building.
As the investigation unfolds, PECO, the local gas service provider, reported they had responded to gas odor complaints immediately before the explosion. The utility has since shut off gas and electric service to the facility, ensuring safety for responders and neighboring residents. A detailed assessment by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is also in progress to ascertain the explosion's cause.
Musuline Watson, a staff member at the facility, mentioned that personnel had noticed gas odors over the weekend but did not perceive the severity of the issue. Meanwhile, Saber Healthcare Group, which recently acquired management of the nursing home, termed the event as “devastating” and confirmed that they reported the gas odor to PECO before the incident.
State health inspections of the facility, including one that took place in October, revealed multiple violations, leading to questions about the home's readiness and emergency protocols. Overall reports list the facility's ratings as ‘much below average,’ particularly regarding health inspections.
As investigations proceed, the community remains in shock as they reflect on the tragic events at Bristol Health & Rehab Center. First responders are commended for their quick action during this crisis.
