Investigation Underway Following Deadly Explosion at Pennsylvania Nursing Home That Claimed Two Lives

An explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home has tragically resulted in the collapse of the building, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring approximately 20 others. The incident occurred at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, located in Bristol Township, Bucks County.

First responders received reports of the explosion around 2:15 p.m. At the time, a utility crew was on-site investigating a reported gas leak, although the exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined.

PECO Energy Co., the township’s natural gas and electric provider, confirmed that the explosion coincided with their team responding to reports of a gas odor at the nursing home. In a statement to National Public Radio (NPT), the utility company noted, “PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents. It is not known at this time if PECO’s equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident.”

During a news conference, Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the challenges faced by first responders, who not only battled flames but also contended with a strong gas odor and a subsequent explosion while evacuating residents and staff. “There was a major structural collapse with parts of the first floor into the basement, trapping individuals,” Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito stated during a Tuesday press briefing.

As of Tuesday night, Dippolito reported that 20 people remained hospitalized. In response to the incident, the township declared a state of emergency.

The nursing home, which has 174 beds and is situated about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia, had recently changed management on December 1. It is now affiliated with Saber Healthcare Group, an Ohio-based firm that has also taken over three other senior facilities in Pennsylvania. Saber currently manages 40 skilled nursing facilities and six personal care homes/assisted living communities across the state.

In a statement, Saber described the explosion as “devastating” and confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities in the aftermath of the incident.

Governor Shapiro mentioned that the Pennsylvania Department of Health conducted an inspection of the facility on December 10 and had begun collaborating with the new owners on safety improvements. A report from an October 29 inspection by the state health department identified several areas where the facility was not compliant with nursing home safety codes. However, inspectors noted that none of these deficiencies affected residents. The report mandated that all deficiencies be addressed by November 30, 2025. Issues included the lack of a portable floor plan, improper storage on stairways, failure to maintain portable fire extinguishers on one of three levels, inadequate smoke barriers, improper use of extension cords and outlet multipliers, and a door on an oxygen storage room that did not close tightly.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission investigators are reportedly on the scene to further assess the situation.

This tragedy follows a similar incident five months earlier, when a fire at an assisted living facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts, resulted in the deaths of 10 residents and injuries to 30 others. The cause of that fire at the Gabriel House is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it may have been ignited by someone smoking or an electrical issue with an oxygen machine.

In the wake of that incident, several residents are suing the owners of the Gabriel House, while the owners and a safety inspection firm are also engaged in legal disputes against each other.

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An explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home has tragically resulted in the collapse of the building, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring approximately 20 others. The incident occurred at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, located in Bristol Township, Bucks County.

First responders received reports of the explosion around 2:15 p.m. At the time, a utility crew was on-site investigating a reported gas leak, although the exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined.

PECO Energy Co., the township’s natural gas and electric provider, confirmed that the explosion coincided with their team responding to reports of a gas odor at the nursing home. In a statement to National Public Radio (NPT), the utility company noted, “PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents. It is not known at this time if PECO’s equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident.”

During a news conference, Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the challenges faced by first responders, who not only battled flames but also contended with a strong gas odor and a subsequent explosion while evacuating residents and staff. “There was a major structural collapse with parts of the first floor into the basement, trapping individuals,” Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito stated during a Tuesday press briefing.

As of Tuesday night, Dippolito reported that 20 people remained hospitalized. In response to the incident, the township declared a state of emergency.

The nursing home, which has 174 beds and is situated about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia, had recently changed management on December 1. It is now affiliated with Saber Healthcare Group, an Ohio-based firm that has also taken over three other senior facilities in Pennsylvania. Saber currently manages 40 skilled nursing facilities and six personal care homes/assisted living communities across the state.

In a statement, Saber described the explosion as “devastating” and confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities in the aftermath of the incident.

Governor Shapiro mentioned that the Pennsylvania Department of Health conducted an inspection of the facility on December 10 and had begun collaborating with the new owners on safety improvements. A report from an October 29 inspection by the state health department identified several areas where the facility was not compliant with nursing home safety codes. However, inspectors noted that none of these deficiencies affected residents. The report mandated that all deficiencies be addressed by November 30, 2025. Issues included the lack of a portable floor plan, improper storage on stairways, failure to maintain portable fire extinguishers on one of three levels, inadequate smoke barriers, improper use of extension cords and outlet multipliers, and a door on an oxygen storage room that did not close tightly.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission investigators are reportedly on the scene to further assess the situation.

This tragedy follows a similar incident five months earlier, when a fire at an assisted living facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts, resulted in the deaths of 10 residents and injuries to 30 others. The cause of that fire at the Gabriel House is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it may have been ignited by someone smoking or an electrical issue with an oxygen machine.

In the wake of that incident, several residents are suing the owners of the Gabriel House, while the owners and a safety inspection firm are also engaged in legal disputes against each other.

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