A thunderous explosion leveled part of a nursing home in Bucks County on Tuesday afternoon, leaving multiple people injured and sparking a desperate search for residents feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The blast occurred at approximately 2:17 PM at the Silver Lake Healthcare Center (also known as the Bristol Health & Rehab Center) on the 900 block of Tower Road, roughly 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia.
Witnesses reported a “loud kaboom” that shook nearby homes, followed by a massive plume of black smoke visible for miles. The explosion caused a partial collapse of the 174-bed facility, specifically impacting what appeared to be the kitchen area.
“I thought an airplane had fallen on my house,” said Willie Tye, a neighbor who lives a block away. “I ran out and saw fire everywhere and people trying to escape the building.”
Local authorities have declared a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). Emergency responders from across the region, including search-and-rescue teams and earthmoving equipment, have descended on the scene.
While many residents were evacuated by staff, bystanders, and first responders, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) confirmed that people are believed to be trapped inside the collapsed portion of the building.
Multiple injuries have been reported, though official numbers and the severity of those injuries have not yet been finalized.
Bristol Township School District buses are transporting evacuated residents to a reunification center at Truman High School, where beds, water, and medical care are being staged.
While an official investigation is pending, the local utility company, PECO, confirmed that crews were already on-site investigating reports of a gas odor when the explosion occurred.
“While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility,” a PECO spokesperson stated. Staff at the facility had reportedly noted a gas smell as early as last weekend but did not initially realize the severity as the building was also experiencing heating issues.
The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, just two days before Christmas. State Representative Tina Davis, who rushed to the scene, described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed he has been briefed on the situation and urged residents to avoid the area to allow first responders to continue their work.
