A devastating explosion, believed to be caused by a gas leak, has ripped through a nursing home in the United States, leaving two people dead and an unknown number missing.
Catastrophic Blast and Immediate Aftermath
The explosion occurred at the Bristol Health & Rehab Centre in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, shortly after 2pm local time on Tuesday 24th December 2025. The force of the blast caused a significant fire and led to parts of the building collapsing.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the two fatalities during a news conference, describing the evening as "a sad and tragic evening here in Bucks County." He stated that "some number of individuals" remain unaccounted for as emergency services continue their work.
Rescue Efforts and Structural Damage
Bristol Township fire chief Kevin Dippolito reported that sections of the building's first floor had collapsed into the basement. While many residents were evacuated by first responders, specialised equipment is now being used to search through the unstable debris for those still missing.
"We are still in rescue mode," Chief Dippolito emphasised. "We have not transitioned into recovery mode." The scene showed extensive damage, with the front of the building partially destroyed and most windows shattered.
In response to the crisis, Bristol Township manager Randee J Mazur declared a local disaster emergency, citing the risk of further structural collapse. This declaration will remain active for seven days.
Ongoing Investigation and Eyewitness Accounts
An official investigation into the cause is underway, but early indications point to a gas leak. The explosion happened around the same time that crews from the local gas utility, PECO, had responded to reports of a gas odour in the area.
Willie Tye, a local resident, described hearing a "loud kaboom" before seeing "fire everywhere" and people fleeing the 174-bed facility, which is located about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia.
The home's owner, Saber Healthcare Group, has stated it is cooperating fully with emergency services as the rescue and investigation efforts continue.
