BRISTOL TWP., Pa. – A catastrophic explosion at a Bucks County nursing home has left at least three people dead and others unaccounted for.
The mass casualty incident has been declared Tuesday at the Silver Lake Nursing Home on Tower Road in Bristol Township, according to the Upper Makefield Township Police Department.
Authorities say an explosion and fire were reported around 2:15 p.m., with multiple people believed to be trapped.
People in the area say they felt the initial blast and saw police officers and firefighters swarm in to rescue those inside the 174-bed facility.
While crews were on site, a second explosion occurred at the facility after there was a reported gas odor.
Investigation reveals 3 people have died and some are still missing.
It is unclear how many were injured. Patients were rushed to several area hospitals.
PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents. Officials say it is not known at this time if PECO’s equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident.
Gov. Shapiro says that Silver Lake Nursing Home came under new ownership earlier this month and was inspected by the state on Dec. 10. A plan was created to upgrade the facility.
Jayson Wagner | for WFMZ-TV
The cause of the reported explosion has not yet been determined.
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick released the following statement on X:
“My team and I are in direct communication with local officials and emergency responders, and we are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected,” Fitzpatrick says. “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.”
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area of Bucks County as the scene remains active as of 10 p.m.
Follow 69 News for continuing coverage and updates on this developing situation.