Possible gas leak causes explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home leaving residents trapped, reports say

A possible gas leak has caused an explosion at a nursing home in Pennsylvania leaving residents trapped, according to reports.

The explosion happened Tuesday before 3 p.m. ET at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, about 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

“We understand that there are people trapped inside,” said Ruth Miller, a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokesperson, per the Associated Press.

Emergency crews raced to the nursing home to search for people who may have gone missing in the blast. Video footage from local outlets, including Levittown Now, showed cop cars, ambulances and fire trucks with flashing lights.

WPVI’s cameras showed flames and black smoke billowing from the nursing home. There was structural damage to the building, including blown out windows and a roof that had collapsed.

The Upper Makefield Township Police Department has called the explosion a “mass casualty incident.”

“Please avoid that area of Bucks County as there is a large emergency personnel response,” the department wrote on Facebook.

Lieutenant Sean Cosgrove with Bristol Township police told Levittown Now that residents were evacuated by emergency crews, staff and even bystanders.

It’s unclear how many people have been injured in the fiery blast or what caused the explosion.

“I do not know if everyone is accounted for or not yet,” the officer said. “I’m not aware of any critical injuries but there definitely were injuries.”

The Independent has reached out to the Bristol Township police and fire departments as well as the Upper Makefield Township Police Department for comment.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, wrote on X that he has been briefed on the incident “and my Administration is in contact with local officials and first responders on the ground.”

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police “have offered their full support and any resources needed,” Shapiro said.

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Bristol community.”

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who represents Bristol Township said he and his team “are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected. We will continue to stay engaged and share updates as more verified information becomes available.

“For everyone’s safety, I urge you to please avoid the area. Please also join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the dedicated staff who care for them, and our brave first responders who rushed to the scene and ran toward danger without hesitation.”

Conservative commentator Nick Sortor reacted to the explosion, writing, “So sad to see this happen so close to Christmas. Prayers up!”

“This is just terrible. Please pray,” Benny Johnson, another MAGA influencer, wrote.

This is a developing story…