Nursing home explosion in Bucks County results in one nurse and one resident dead, with several others, including a Peco worker, injured.

On Tuesday afternoon, a catastrophic explosion rocked the Bristol Health and Rehab Center, a nursing facility in Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania, housing approximately 120 residents. The emergency unfolded just as first responders arrived on the scene, where chaos ensued as flames spread and debris was scattered across the property. Eyewitness accounts described an overwhelming smell of gas in the air, prompting urgent calls for assistance.

Local police and firefighters, alongside utility workers and community volunteers, immediately began to rescue individuals trapped amidst the wreckage, navigating through shattered windows, flooding basements, and doorless entries. Shortly after the initial explosion, a second blast occurred, further complicating the rescue efforts and raising concerns over the number of individuals still unaccounted for.

By Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed that two fatalities had resulted from the disaster, including 52-year-old Muthoni Nduthu, a nurse who had dedicated over a decade to serving at the facility. Originally from Mombasa, Kenya, Nduthu had settled in the Greater Philadelphia area approximately 20 years ago and was known for her commitment to her profession and family. She leaves behind three sons and a granddaughter.

As families gathered in nearby hospitals to support the 19 individuals who remained hospitalized due to injuries from the explosion, officials reported that one person was in critical condition. Fortunately, all other residents and employees had been accounted for.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible gas leak as a contributing factor. The National Transportation Safety Board is involved in evaluating the situation, indicating that debris clearing efforts might take days before a thorough examination of the natural gas service line can begin.

This tragic incident has prompted scrutiny regarding the facility’s previous safety record. Bristol Health and Rehab Center had recently been cited for serious infractions concerning fire safety, including the absence of a comprehensive fire safety plan and malfunctioning fire extinguishers. Inadequate healthcare standards had previously resulted in the facility receiving a one-star rating from federal inspectors, alongside fines exceeding 8,000 in 2024.

Utility company Peco had been on-site earlier on Tuesday responding to reports of a gas odor, and it remains uncertain if their equipment played a role in this tragedy. A Peco technician was injured during the incident while trying to assist others to safety.

Witnesses and former employees have raised concerns about recurring gas odors at the facility, flagging alarm issues that previously led to lockdowns. Statements from Saber Healthcare Group, which recently acquired the facility, indicated their intent to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion and improve safety measures moving forward.

As recovery and investigation efforts continue, the community grapples with the loss of life and the ongoing implications of this disaster. While the deeper causes of the explosion remain under scrutiny, the heroism of first responders who acted with urgency has been widely recognized.