First responders work at the scene of an explosion and fire at Bristol Health & Rehab Center on Tuesday in Bristol, Pa.
Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
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Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
BRISTOL, Pa. — An explosion at a nursing home near Philadelphia tragically claimed the lives of at least two individuals, causing part of the building to collapse and trapping others inside, according to authorities.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the fatalities during a press conference following the incident, where emergency responders worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and staff amidst the flames and gas fumes.
Fire officials continued rescue efforts hours later, utilizing manual techniques, search dogs, and sonar to locate any potential victims still inside the building.
The explosion occurred at Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township while a utility crew was investigating a gas leak on site.
A plume of smoke billowed from the nursing home as emergency personnel and equipment rushed to the scene to assist.
Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased and are still assessing the number of injured individuals who were transported to hospitals following the evacuation.
Shapiro urged Pennsylvanians to keep the community, missing individuals, injured victims, and grieving families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Bristol’s fire chief, Kevin Dippolito, reported that five people remained unaccounted for, though some may have left the scene with family members.
Dippolito described a chaotic rescue operation where firefighters navigated through stairwells and elevator shafts to extract residents from the burning building.
