BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA – A devastating double explosion and subsequent fire tore through the Silver Lake Nursing Home on Tuesday afternoon, leaving two people dead and a community in shock. Authorities believe a natural gas leak triggered the blasts, which caused a partial structural collapse of the facility located just outside Philadelphia.
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Police Chief Charles Winik confirmed that the fatalities include one female staff member and one resident. In addition to the deaths, 20 individuals were rushed to area hospitals with various injuries.
Initially, there were fears that several people were missing beneath the rubble. However, after an intense several-hour search, Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito confirmed that all 174 potential residents and staff members have been accounted for.
A Narrow Escape for First Responders
The scene was one of “major structural failure.” When firefighters first arrived, they found the building’s first floor had pancaked into the basement. Crews heroically entered the unstable structure to pull victims from:
- Stuck elevators
- Debris-filled stairwells
- The collapsed basement zone
The danger was nearly compounded when a second explosion rocked the building. Firefighters had evacuated the interior just 15 to 30 seconds prior after detecting a heavy odor of natural gas.
Community Response
As thick smoke and “roaring flames” rose from the building, the local community took immediate action. Bystanders and neighbors rushed toward the site to help police and firefighters carry elderly residents to safety.
“This is the Pennsylvania way, neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need,” said Governor Josh Shapiro during a press briefing on the scene.
Status of the Facility
While the front of the Silver Lake Nursing Home was largely blown away by the internal pressure of the blast, the majority of the structure remains standing with significant damage, including shattered windows throughout. The facility typically houses upwards of 50 patients at any given time, though it is certified for a much higher capacity.
The cause of the gas leak remains under official investigation.
