At least 3 dead, 20 injured in nursing home explosion in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials say
Three people were killed in an explosion Tuesday afternoon at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials said.
During a news conference, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that two people had died, and Bristol Township police later confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that a third person was found dead in the building.
Twenty people were hospitalized with injuries, police said. The wounded victims were transported to five area hospitals. Everyone has been accounted for, Bristol Township Police Chief Charles Winik told reporters.
A gas leak was believed to have led to two explosions and a fire, Bristol Township Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito said.
According to a PECO spokesperson, crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the nursing home shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
"While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents," the statement reads.
"It is not known at this time if PECO's equipment, or natural gas, was involved in this incident," PECO said later Tuesday night.
Part of the building collapsed. Officials say a reunification site was set up at Truman High School in Levittown.
Emergency crews are still working to rescue people who may be stuck in the building, Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito said. They are using sonar and dogs to help with the search, Dippolito said.
Two people were rescued from the collapsed part of the building, he said.
Shapiro praised the work of firefighters and other first responders from around the region who raced to the scene.
"They were quite literally climbing up ladders, handing individuals in this nursing home to police, who were at times carrying two people on their back to safety," Shapiro said.
New owners took over the facility earlier this month, Shapiro said. The state Department of Health visited the home on Dec. 10, and a plan to upgrade the facility was put in place, he added.
Bristol is located about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia.
"To the Bristol community: I've got your back, and I'll be with you soon," Shapiro said earlier in a post on social media.