A sudden explosion rocked the basement of Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at about 2:15 p.m. The blast triggered a fire that spread rapidly through the lower level. The emergency response was swift, with firefighters arriving from several counties. The incident left the community in shock.
The Incident
The explosion occurred in the basement of the nursing home, according to the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department. The fire that followed quickly reached two alarm levels. The blaze caused significant damage to the building’s lower structure. The incident was reported as an emergency by local authorities.
Response
Firefighters from Bucks County responded to the emergency. Units from Montgomery County also arrived on scene. Philadelphia County dispatches joined the response. Additionally, Burlington County in New Jersey sent firefighters to assist.
PECO confirmed that it had responded to a report of a gas odor at the nursing home shortly before the explosion. The gas odor prompted an immediate response by the gas company. PECO’s response was coordinated with local fire services. The report was noted in official communications.
Casualties
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that at least two people had been killed in the explosion. The casualties were confirmed by emergency responders. The deaths were among the residents of the nursing home. The governor’s statement was made during a press conference.
Governor Shapiro also revealed that multiple people were injured or missing. The missing individuals were residents or staff at the nursing home. Search efforts were underway to locate them. The situation remained fluid as responders worked on the scene.
Building Collapse
The building partially collapsed as a result of the explosion and fire. The collapse added complexity to rescue operations. Debris from the collapse impeded access to certain areas. The structural damage was assessed by emergency personnel.
Gas Odor
The gas odor reported by PECO was a key factor in the early detection of the incident. The odor prompted an immediate response by the gas company. It was reported shortly before the explosion occurred. The odor was noted in the official timeline.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams continued to search for survivors amid the collapsed structure. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The rescue operation was conducted by units from several counties. Efforts were ongoing as of the latest reports.
Key Takeaways
- At least two people killed in the explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home.
- Multiple residents and staff injured or missing following the incident.
- Firefighters from Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Burlington counties responded to the emergency.
