An explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home left multiple elderly residents and staff members trapped inside — and potentially dead — as firefighters rushed to battle the flames Tuesday afternoon, according to reports.
The large blast erupted around 2:15 p.m. at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, about 21 miles northeast of Philadelphia, igniting a fire that tore through the building and prompted officials to declare a mass casualty incident, according to the Upper Masefield Township Police Department, WFMZ reported.
Video footage from local outlets showed a raging inferno and black smoke pouring from the Bucks County facility, with dozens of first responders working to douse the flames and scour for victims in the debris.
A large explosion rocked a Pennsylvania nursing home, leaving multiple residents trapped, and potentially dead.
The apparent explosion caved in the roof of the senior home, with sections of the building completely leveled, according to photos shared by Levittown Now, which reported the structure is at risk of collapsing.
“I’ve been briefed on the incident at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bucks County, and my Administration is in contact with local officials and first responders on the ground,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on X.
“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Bristol community.”
The blast occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. REUTERS
At least three elderly residents were seen being pulled out on stretchers, according to the Pocono Record, which reported that a gas leak may have led to the blast.
Another six people were carried out to safety by a heroic bystander who was among the first to arrive at the scene.
“The glass walled room was there, and it’s all blown out now,” Joe Westergon, who lives a few blocks from Silver Lake, told the Pocono Record.
The fire has torn through the building as officials have declared this a mass casualty incident. REUTERS
“I think they were doing arts and crafts, They were just sitting there in their wheelchairs. I was taking them over to the curb and sitting them down. I was trying to keep them as calm as possible. They’ll live but they were pretty tore up — some were bleeding.”
It remains unclear how many people were injured or died in the wreck.
Police have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion.
At least three residents were pulled out of the rubble carried out in stretchers. REUTERS
“My team and I are in direct communication with local officials and emergency responders, and we are closely monitoring development as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected,” US Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said on X.
“Please also join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the dedicated staff who care for them, and our brave first responders who rushed to the scene and ran toward danger without hesitation.”
Silver Lake, a for-profit health care center, provides short-term rehabilitation and therapy to seniors in need, according to its website.
The facility cares for an average of 158 patients daily, ProPublica data from July showed.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area.
“There is a mass incident response at the Silver Lake Nursing Home located at 905 Tower Road in Bristol Township,” Upper Makefield Township police wrote on Facebook.“Please avoid that area of Bucks County as there is a large emergency personnel response.”