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Two dead, multiple injured after nursing home explosion in Bristol
An explosion and subsequent fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, left at least two people dead and several others injured on Tuesday. Emergency responders are still searching for five individuals who remain unaccounted for, though officials are uncertain if they were inside the building at the time of the blast.
Emergency response underway
Fire crews were dispatched to the facility around 2:00 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT) following reports of a gas odor. Upon arrival, the building exploded, triggering a large fire and causing a partial collapse, according to authorities.
Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito reported that responders rescued residents trapped in windows, stairwells, and elevators. Some individuals were found in the basement of the collapsed structure and were safely extracted.
"There was one police officer who literally threw two people over his shoulders and ran with them toward medical staff," Dippolito told reporters.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with crews still searching for potential survivors. Dippolito emphasized that teams remain in "rescue mode" and have not shifted to recovery efforts.
Cause under investigation, governor praises community response
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that the exact number of injuries is still unknown, and the cause of the explosion is under investigation. He commended the rapid response from regional authorities and the support of local residents.
"We had residents coming out of their houses offering to help us. This is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need," Shapiro said.
Building partially collapsed, flames visible in footage
Images and videos shared on social media by local outlets show the nursing home with a partially collapsed section and large flames engulfing parts of the structure.
