A suspected gas explosion rocked a nursing home just outside Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, causing a portion of the building to collapse and leaving an unknown number of people injured and trapped inside.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The explosion occurred at the Silver Lake Healthcare Center in Bristol Township, Bucks County, at approximately 2:17 p.m. on December 23. Emergency responders from across the region rushed to the scene, where a large plume of black smoke was visible. Police Lieutenant Sean Cosgrove confirmed there were injuries but was not aware of any critical conditions at the time.
Residents were evacuated by a combined effort of first responders, facility staff, and bystanders. Authorities reported that people were trapped inside the damaged structure following the partial collapse. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated his administration was in contact with local officials and that state agencies had offered full support.
Community Mobilizes for Shelter and Care
Local officials quickly arranged for a temporary evacuation center at nearby Truman High School. Jim Morgan, president of the Bristol Township School Board, confirmed district buses were ready to transport residents and that efforts were underway to set up beds and provide water and other necessities. As of 4 p.m., no evacuees had yet arrived at the school.
State Representative Tina Davis, whose district includes the facility, expressed her sorrow upon approaching the chaotic scene. "It's just so sad — it's that hopeful time of year. This is just something that is sad for everybody and the families and the workers that are there," Davis said.
Investigation into the Cause
The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation. Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, said first responders were describing it as a gas explosion. Investigators from the commission's safety division were dispatched to the scene to conduct a close examination and confirm the cause.
According to federal records, the 174-bed facility underwent a standard fire safety inspection in September 2024 and received no citations. However, Medicare's overall rating for Silver Lake Healthcare Center is "much below average," with particularly poor marks for health inspections.
The nursing home is located about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The scene remained active into the evening as crews worked to secure the area and account for all residents and staff.
