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Two Dead, Several Missing After Explosion at Pennsylvania Nursing Home

Healthcare

Two Dead, Missing After Pennsylvania Nursing Home Blast

Business Honor
24 December, 2025

Gas leak suspected as fire devastates Bristol Township care facility, prompting heroic rescues.

At least two people were reported dead and many others are still missing after an explosion and fire engulfed a nursing home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday afternoon. The explosion and subsequent fire broke out at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, which is located approximately 20 miles northwest of the city of Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has confirmed the death toll and stated that it is believed that between five and ten individuals have not been accounted for. Several individuals were also injured and sent to hospitals; however, it has not been determined to what extent damage has been done. The incident occurred approximately around 2:19 p.m. when PECO, a local energy company, arrived in response to reports of a gas odor within the plant. Reports confirm that there is a potential gas leak, though nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet. In response to the explosion, PECO immediately suspended gas and electricity supply within the region.

Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito described the situation as “extremely dangerous” since another explosion took place as they evacuated from the building. This explosion led to heavy structural damage to the building; the first floor partially collapsed into the basement. Members of emergency services, policemen, employees, and bystanders made efforts to rescue the residents, many of whom were elderly and thus unable to evacuate by themselves. There were heroic acts described by the government, such as policemen escorting residents out of the building to safe locations through windows of stairwells and elevators.

The affected displaced persons are being reunited with their families at Harry S. Truman High School, which has been converted into an emergency shelter. However, Governor Shapiro welcomed this brave and swift response and termed it a “powerful example” for people who provide public service. The nursing home facility had changed ownership towards the start of this month and health officials for the state had begun working with new owners on improvements to this facility before this unfortunate event occurred.