A massive explosion ripped through the basement of Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, killing at least two residents and injuring others.
Incident Details
The blast occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. after PECO responded to a reported gas odor at the facility located at 905 Tower Road. While PECO crews were working on the building, an explosion in the basement sparked a large fire that collapsed part of the structure. Preliminary reports suggest a gas leak may have caused the blast.
Emergency Response
Police and firefighters from multiple counties rushed to the scene, creating a massive response effort. The incident left at least two people dead and several others either injured or missing, according to Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro’s statement highlighted the severity of the tragedy: “At least two people were killed and several others injured or missing.”
Facility Compliance Issues
A safety inspection conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health revealed that Silver Lake Nursing Home was not in compliance with several requirements of the Life Safety Code. The findings raise concerns about the facility’s preparedness for such emergencies.
Resident Demographics
The nursing home has 174 certified beds and typically houses about 151 residents daily, according to Medicare.gov. A nurse at the facility told NBC10, “There are residents as old as 95 years of age who live at the home.”
Key Takeaways
- The explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home on Dec. 23, 2025, killed at least two residents and injured others.
- A gas leak is suspected to have caused the blast, triggering a large fire and structural collapse.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health found the facility non-compliant with Life Safety Code requirements.
The tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards in long-term care facilities and highlights the need for prompt emergency response protocols.
