An explosion and fire at a Pennsylvania nursing home caused the building to partially collapse, killing at least two people and injuring several others.
Emergency crews were called to Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol at approximately 14:00 local time (19:00GMT) on Tuesday after receiving reports of the smell of gas. When firefighters arrived, the building exploded, causing a massive fire, authorities said.
Five people are still unaccounted for, but officials said it is unclear whether they are inside the building.
Rescue workers pulled residents out of windows, stairs and elevators and took them to safety, Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito told reporters.
“There was one officer who literally threw two people over his shoulder and ran toward the medics,” he said.
Several people were trapped in the basement of the collapsed building but were rescued, Dippolito said.
“We’re still in rescue mode. We haven’t moved into recovery mode yet,” he said.
The fire chief said rescue crews were still working to rescue people trapped inside the building.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said the exact number of injuries was not yet known and the cause of the explosion was under investigation.
Photos and videos posted by local media on social platforms showed huge flames spewing from the partially collapsed building.
Shapiro praised the support of local officials who rushed to provide assistance and said residents living near the nursing home were “outstanding.”
“Residents came out of their homes offering to help us,” he said. “This is the Pennsylvania way: helping your neighbor in his or her time of need.”
