NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Two women – a staff member and a resident – were killed and at least 19 people remain hospitalized after an explosion and partial building collapse at a senior living facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania, police said, clarifying earlier reports of a possible third death.
Bristol Township police Wednesday said the two women were the only confirmed fatalities. Authorities had initially reported a third possible death, but said that patient was resuscitated at the hospital.
Twenty people were transported to area hospitals following the explosion. Police said 19 people remained hospitalized, including one person listed in critical condition.
Officials said emergency crews responded to reports of an explosion at the Silver Lake Nursing Home on Tower Road at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday.
CALIFORNIA HOME EXPLOSION CAUGHT ON DOORBELL CAMERA
Fire officials said crews arrived within minutes and found significant structural damage, with parts of the first floor collapsing into the basement, trapping residents inside.
Firefighters and emergency medical crews from multiple jurisdictions went into rescue mode, pulling residents out through doors, windows, stairwells and an elevator shaft.
While crews were on site, PECO said, an explosion occurred at the facility. Immediately after the explosion, crews shut off the natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of the first responders and local residents.
The company added that it is unknown if PECO equipment or natural gas, was involved in the incident.
FIRE ERUPTS IN US CAPITOL TROLLEY SYSTEM, 2 POLICE OFFICERS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
Fox News Digital has reached out to PECO for additional information.
Those who were rescued were handed off to police officers from nearby municipalities.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said one police officer threw two people over his shoulders and ran them to safety.
“Oftentimes in our communities, we don’t appreciate that type of heroism, and that is what was on display here in Bucks County today,” the governor said.
EXPLOSION ROCKS SENIOR LIVING APARTMENT BUILDING IN OHIO, MULTIPLE PEOPLE INJURED
Officials also said two people were rescued from the actual collapsed structure in the basement.
At one point, emergency crews detected a heavy odor of gas, and they quickly got everyone out that they could find. Within about 30 seconds of exiting the building, there was a second explosion and fire, which fire crews were able to keep in check and prevent from spreading.
Still, local residents came out of their homes and offered to help emergency crews, which Shapiro praised.
“Look, I think this is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need,” he said. “You saw that here in Bristol. You saw that here in Bucks County. This is how we do this.”
State Rep. Tina Davis said earlier in the day that she is closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to avoid the area as emergency crews respond to the reported explosion and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home.
“I am deeply concerned by the reports of an explosion and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township,” she said. “My thoughts are with the residents, their families, and the staff during this frightening situation. I am closely monitoring developments and remain in contact with local officials and first responders as they work to ensure everyone’s safety. I urge the public to avoid the area, so emergency crews can do their jobs.”
State Rep. Tina Davis said earlier in the day that she is closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to avoid the area as emergency crews respond to the reported explosion and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“I am deeply concerned by the reports of an explosion and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township,” she said. “My thoughts are with the residents, their families, and the staff during this frightening situation. I am closely monitoring developments and remain in contact with local officials and first responders as they work to ensure everyone’s safety. I urge the public to avoid the area, so emergency crews can do their jobs.”
U.S. News Today on Fox News
Read the full article .
