Gas Leak Explosions at Pennsylvania Nursing Home Kill at Least Two, Leave Several Missing

At least two people were killed and several others went missing after explosions and a fire struck the Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. The blasts, believed to be caused by a gas leak, caused part of the building to collapse. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with firefighters and police saving numerous patients and staff, while authorities investigate the incident.

At least two people have been confirmed dead, and several others remain unaccounted for following a series of powerful explosions that struck a nursing home in Bristol Township, located just outside the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. The explosions occurred on Tuesday and caused a major fire, as well as partial collapse of the building, according to officials and local police. The incident has sparked a large-scale emergency response as first responders work to rescue those trapped inside and assess the extent of the damage.
The blasts took place at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, situated approximately 21 miles (33 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia. Preliminary reports indicate that the explosions may have been triggered by a gas leak, though investigators are still working to determine the exact cause. Bristol Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito addressed the media during a press conference on Tuesday evening, stating that five people were initially reported missing in the hours following the explosions and fire. He noted that some of those missing may have left the scene with family members, and officials were still working to account for everyone present in the building at the time. In addition to the two confirmed fatalities, an unspecified number of individuals sustained injuries in the explosions and resulting fire.
Firefighters who responded to the scene discovered what Dippolito described as a “major structural collapse” shortly after receiving reports of the first blast in the afternoon. Local news footage captured dramatic images of flames and thick smoke billowing from the destroyed building, highlighting the severity of the incident. The local utility company, PECO, confirmed that its personnel had been responding to complaints of a gas leak at the facility when the first explosion occurred. Crews promptly shut off both natural gas and electrical service to the building to ensure the safety of emergency responders and nearby residents. PECO emphasized that it is not yet clear whether its equipment or the natural gas supply played a direct role in the explosions.
Dippolito detailed that numerous patients and staff trapped in the collapsed sections of the nursing home were rescued by emergency personnel. Several victims were removed from the debris, and firefighters were able to pull at least two more individuals from the basement area before being forced to retreat due to the presence of lingering gas fumes. He explained, “We got everyone out that we could, that we could find, that we could see, and we exited the building.” Within approximately 15 to 30 seconds of their exit, a second explosion occurred, driven by the strong odor of natural gas still present around the site, further complicating the rescue efforts.
The total number of patients and staff inside the facility at the time of the explosions is currently unknown. The nursing home is certified to accommodate up to 174 residents, and a nurse working at the center told local news outlets that more than 50 patients, aged between 50 and 95, are typically present at any given time. Rescue operations continued as officials worked to ensure that the building was fully cleared of any remaining individuals.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the situation, noting that the facility had recently come under new ownership earlier this month. He added that state health inspectors had visited the nursing home on December 10 to meet with staff and devise a plan for updating and improving operational and safety standards.
Governor Shapiro also praised the response of emergency personnel and local residents in a post on X, highlighting the heroism displayed during the crisis. He commended firefighters who “rushed towards danger to put out this fire and rescue people from the burning building,” and police officers who “literally carried them on their backs to safety.” The governor further acknowledged the support of nearby residents who “rushed out of their houses, away from their families” to assist victims and provide aid during the ongoing rescue operations.
As the situation remains fluid, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosions and are prioritizing the safety and recovery of all individuals at the facility. Emergency teams remain on the scene, working diligently to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.