Report Reveals Gas Odor at Nursing Home Noted Hours Before Fatal Explosion

By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — In a tragic incident last month, a Pennsylvania nursing home experienced a devastating explosion just hours after staff reported a strong smell of natural gas. Concerned about the odor detected on multiple floors, the nursing home staff called in local utility workers to investigate the issue, as detailed in a preliminary report released by federal regulators on Wednesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s report outlines the critical three-hour window between the initial report of the gas smell and the explosion in Bristol, located just outside Philadelphia. During this time, utility workers were present on-site, and one of them identified a leak originating from a valve in a meter set located in the basement boiler room.

Despite the presence of utility personnel and witness accounts of a strong gas odor following the explosion, PECO, the local utility company, stated at the time that it could not ascertain the cause of the explosion or whether its equipment was involved.

This tragic event resulted in the loss of two residents and an employee, with around 20 others injured, including one utility worker. The explosion occurred just days before Christmas, leading to part of the building collapsing and trapping individuals inside. Emergency responders, nursing home staff, and even medics from a nearby hospital rushed to evacuate those affected.

According to the report, Exelon, PECO’s parent company, took nearly two hours to shut off the gas flow to the facility after the explosion. The reasons for this delay remain unclear.

Investigators are now focusing on Exelon’s pipeline safety management practices, including how they train personnel, their qualifications, and their response to odor complaints, among other factors.

In response to the report, a PECO spokesperson acknowledged the necessity for ongoing improvement and vigilance in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electric and natural gas services. The statement also expressed condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the displaced residents and the broader community.

The report indicates that on December 23, a maintenance director at Bristol Health & Rehab Center reported the smell of natural gas in the basement and promptly contacted the utility company. A PECO worker arrived at the facility shortly before noon, about an hour after the odor was first detected. Staff members also reported smelling gas on the first and second floors.

Upon investigation, the Exelon energy technician confirmed a leak at a meter set valve in the basement and requested assistance for repairs. A meter set includes the meter, regulator, piping, valves, and fittings necessary for gas delivery.

An Exelon foreman dispatched a meter services technician to conduct the repairs, who arrived at approximately 1:20 p.m. Unfortunately, the explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m., just 55 minutes later.

Federal inspectors have since tested the gas line and equipment, with some items sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — In a tragic incident last month, a Pennsylvania nursing home experienced a devastating explosion just hours after staff reported a strong smell of natural gas. Concerned about the odor detected on multiple floors, the nursing home staff called in local utility workers to investigate the issue, as detailed in a preliminary report released by federal regulators on Wednesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s report outlines the critical three-hour window between the initial report of the gas smell and the explosion in Bristol, located just outside Philadelphia. During this time, utility workers were present on-site, and one of them identified a leak originating from a valve in a meter set located in the basement boiler room.

Despite the presence of utility personnel and witness accounts of a strong gas odor following the explosion, PECO, the local utility company, stated at the time that it could not ascertain the cause of the explosion or whether its equipment was involved.

This tragic event resulted in the loss of two residents and an employee, with around 20 others injured, including one utility worker. The explosion occurred just days before Christmas, leading to part of the building collapsing and trapping individuals inside. Emergency responders, nursing home staff, and even medics from a nearby hospital rushed to evacuate those affected.

According to the report, Exelon, PECO’s parent company, took nearly two hours to shut off the gas flow to the facility after the explosion. The reasons for this delay remain unclear.

Investigators are now focusing on Exelon’s pipeline safety management practices, including how they train personnel, their qualifications, and their response to odor complaints, among other factors.

In response to the report, a PECO spokesperson acknowledged the necessity for ongoing improvement and vigilance in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electric and natural gas services. The statement also expressed condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the displaced residents and the broader community.

The report indicates that on December 23, a maintenance director at Bristol Health & Rehab Center reported the smell of natural gas in the basement and promptly contacted the utility company. A PECO worker arrived at the facility shortly before noon, about an hour after the odor was first detected. Staff members also reported smelling gas on the first and second floors.

Upon investigation, the Exelon energy technician confirmed a leak at a meter set valve in the basement and requested assistance for repairs. A meter set includes the meter, regulator, piping, valves, and fittings necessary for gas delivery.

An Exelon foreman dispatched a meter services technician to conduct the repairs, who arrived at approximately 1:20 p.m. Unfortunately, the explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m., just 55 minutes later.

Federal inspectors have since tested the gas line and equipment, with some items sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.