Explosions and fire at a nursing home outside Philadelphia killed at least two people, local and state officials said Tuesday.
“We believe preliminarily that it was a gas leak that led to that. The explosion was really quite catastrophic. We know that at this time, there are at least two fatalities. We know that there are some number of individuals still missing,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said at a press conference on the incident Tuesday night.
Nexstar affiliate WPHL in Philadelphia reported that crews responded at around 2:30 p.m. EST to Silver Lake Healthcare Center, located roughly 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia in Bristol Township, Pa.
“I want to say that in the immediate moments after the explosion, you saw what real heroism is all about. Firefighters rushed to this scene in order to contain the explosion, in order to put out the fire and, most importantly, in order to rescue people,” the Keystone State governor said.
A video of the facility, captured by WPVI in Philadelphia, shows a cloud of black smoke and flames rising from it, with the building appearing to have sustained significant damage.
Ruth Miller, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, (PEMA) told The Associated Press that people were trapped inside.
Bristol Township Police Lt. Sean Cosgrove said that some individuals sustained injuries, but he was not aware of any critical injuries.
Pennsylvania State Trooper Nathan Branosky, the public information officer for Bucks County — where the nursing home is located — told The Hill that troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police’s Trevose station responded on the scene. Branosky noted that the incident will be investigating by the Bristol Township Police Department (BTPD).
The Hill has reached out to local officials in Bristol Township and Bucks County for more information.
Shapiro said earlier on the social platform X that he had been briefed on the incident and is in contact with local officials and first responders on the ground.
“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,” Shapiro added. “Please join Lori and me in praying for the Bristol community.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), whose district includes Bucks County, said on X his team is “closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected,” adding that he will share updates as more verified information becomes available.
“For everyone’s safety, I urge you to please avoid the area,” Fitzpatrick noted. “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.”
The nursing facility has 174 certified beds, according to Medicare.gov. It underwent a standard fire safety inspection in September 2024, receiving no citations. Medicare rates the facility as “much below average,” with its most recent health inspection in September 2024 yielding 24 health citations — well above the national average.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Tina Davis (D), who represents Bristol Township, said in a statement she is “deeply concerned by the reports of an explosion and fire” at the facility.
“My thoughts are with the residents, their families, and the staff during this frightening situation. I am closely monitoring developments and remain in contact with local officials and first responders as they work to ensure everyone’s safety,” Davis added.
When reached for comment, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission directed The Hill to Shapiro’s office and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
