A tragic accident struck a nursing home in Pennsylvania, USA, after a sudden explosion followed by a large fire, resulting in casualties.
The "Silver Lake" nursing home in Pennsylvania witnessed a mysterious explosion that led to a widespread fire, trapping residents and staff inside the building amidst intense efforts by rescue and firefighting teams to control the situation.
The Upper Makefield Township Police Department announced that the explosion occurred at the "Silver Lake" care home located in Bristol Township, about 21 miles northeast of Philadelphia, noting that the incident caused significant damage inside the facility.
Local authorities confirmed that at least two people died as a result of a gas explosion inside the nursing home, while several residents were trapped inside the building in the early hours of the incident before emergency teams could reach them.
The police reported that the explosion led to a fire that quickly spread throughout the building, prompting officials to declare a mass casualty incident, as reported by the local channel "WFMZ".
Video clips shared on the "X" platform showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the nursing home building, located in Bucks County, as firefighting teams continued their efforts to extinguish the fire and search for victims among the debris.
Local news platforms speculated that the explosion was due to a gas leak, while other reports talked about part of the nursing home's roof collapsing, with warnings that the building's structure might be at full risk of collapse.
In this context, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said: "I have been informed about the incident that occurred at the Silver Lake nursing home in Bucks County, and my administration is in contact with local officials and first responders at the scene."
Shapiro added on his "X" platform account that "the site is still active, and people nearby should adhere to local authority directions," urging them to join him and Lori in praying for the Bristol community.
At least three elderly residents were seen being carried out of the building on stretchers, while eyewitnesses reported that a passerby, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, carried six other people and moved them to a safe area away from the fire site.
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said: "My team and I are in direct contact with local officials and emergency response teams, and we are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the site and provide care for those affected."
Fitzpatrick continued on his "X" platform: "Please join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the staff caring for them, and the first responders who rushed to the site and dealt with the situation with great courage."
According to the website of the "Silver Lake" home, it provides rehabilitation and short-term therapy services for elderly in need, while "ProPublica" data indicates that the home cares for about 158 patients daily.
