Explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home kills at least two

An explosion and fire at a Pennsylvania nursing home caused a partial collapse of the building, killing at least two people and injuring many others.

Emergency crews were called to Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol at around 14:00 local time (19:00 GMT) on Tuesday after reports of a gas smell. Authorities said when crews arrived, the building exploded, igniting the fire.

Five people remain missing, but officials said they were not sure if they were inside the building.

Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito told reporters that rescuers pulled residents out of windows, stairwells and elevators and brought them to safety.

“A police officer threw two people over his shoulder and ran with them towards medical staff,” he said.

Dippolito said several people were trapped in the basement of the collapsed building but were rescued.

“We are still in rescue mode. We have not shifted into recovery mode,” he said.

The fire chief said emergency crews were still working to rescue people who may be trapped inside the building.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the exact number of injuries was unclear and the cause of the explosion was still under investigation.

Pictures and videos posted by local media on social platforms showed a partially collapsed building with raging fire.

Shapiro praised authorities across the region for their swift support and said residents living near nursing homes have been “extraordinary.”

“We’ve had residents come out of their homes and offer to help us,” he said. “That’s the Pennsylvania way: neighbor helping neighbor in time of need.”