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Bucks County fire: Explosion rocks Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol; videos show damage
Significant damage reported at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Bucks County, PA, after an apparent gas explosion caused a building collapse.
UPDATE: An explosion at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, left two people dead and several others injured on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m., when PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the facility. While crews were working inside the building, an explosion occurred in the basement. Preliminary reports indicate a possible gas leak as the cause of the blast.
“Shortly after 2 p.m., PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the Silver Lake Nursing Home at 905 Tower Road in Bristol Township, Bucks County. While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” PECO said in a statement, NBC Philadelphia reported.
Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito told the outlet that firefighters were able to rescue two people from the basement collapse.
"Within 15 to 30 seconds, exiting the building knowing there was a heavy odor of natural gas around us, there was another explosion and fire," he said.
ORIGINAL STORY: Significant damage has been reported at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, following an apparent gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse. Multiple people are believed to be trapped inside. Authorities have not yet released information on the number or condition of any victims.
What we know so far
According to ABC6, the explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Silver Lake Nursing Home, located in the 900 block of Tower Road in Bristol Township.
Upper Makefield Township police have classified the situation as a mass casualty incident. Officials are urging the public to avoid the area due to the large and ongoing emergency response.
Videos circulating on social media show extensive structural damage to the facility. A two-alarm fire response has been activated as emergency crews continue rescue and containment efforts.
Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the situation develops.
