A tragic explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home has claimed the lives of two women, a resident and an employee, and injured many others. The incident occurred Tuesday in Bristol Township, Bucks County, northeast of Philadelphia.
First responders bravely faced flames and the risk of further explosions to rescue residents from the damaged building. Officials confirmed everyone was accounted for after a long search.
Police Chief Charles Winik praised the heroism of those who rushed into the building, which still smelled of gas and appeared structurally unsound. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, although a utility crew was present investigating a reported gas leak.
Nineteen individuals remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition. The remaining residents, numbering around 120, have been relocated to nearby facilities.
Muthoni Nduthu, 52, was identified as the employee who perished. Family members described her as a devoted Catholic and a hard worker. The identity of the resident who died is yet to be released.
The force of the explosion was significant, shaking homes in the surrounding area. A section of the nursing home, including the kitchen and cafeteria, suffered extensive damage.
Authorities have reported that the situation could have been far worse, praising the rapid response of police, firefighters, hospital staff, and neighbors who assisted in the evacuation.
Federal agencies are preparing to assist with the investigation once the debris is cleared. The local gas utility, PECO, stated they shut off gas and electric service to the building but could not confirm if their equipment was involved in the explosion.
Some staff members had reported smelling gas in the days leading up to the event, but the extent of the issue was not initially clear.
The nursing home is affiliated with Saber Healthcare Group, which acknowledged the incident as “devastating.”
