An explosion at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bucks County, Pa., on Dec. 23 killed two people and injured at least 19. The Bucks County coroner identified one victim as 52-year-old nursing assistant Muthoni Nduthu; the other was an unnamed female resident. Utility crews had responded to reports of a gas odor shortly before the blast, and authorities said a gas leak is being investigated. First responders conducted rapid rescues amid major structural collapse, and excavations and a formal probe are ongoing.
Bristol Nursing Home Explosion Kills Two, Including Nursing Assistant; 19 Hospitalized as Gas Leak Is Investigated
Mingson Lau/APInvestigators work around Bristol Health & Rehab Center and surrounding rubble after a gas explosion the day prior on Dec. 24, 2025, in Bristol, Pa.
An explosion tore through the Bristol Health and Rehab Center (also known as the Silver Lake Nursing Home) in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, killing two people and leaving at least 19 others hospitalized, officials said.
The Bucks County Coroner's Office identified one of the deceased as 52-year-old nursing assistant Muthoni Nduthu, an employee of the facility. The second fatality was a female resident whose identity has not been released pending family notification and the ongoing investigation.
Timeline and Response
Shortly after 2 p.m., crews from PECO Energy responded to reports of a strong gas odor at the nursing home, located at 905 Tower Road. While PECO personnel were on site, an explosion occurred. PECO later shut off natural gas and electric service to the building to protect first responders and nearby residents.
Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered a major structural collapse. Portions of the first floor pancaked into the basement, trapping people in stairwells, elevator shafts, windows and doorways. First responders and staff pulled many residents and employees to safety in fast-moving rescue operations.
Mingson Lau/APA responder navigates around Bristol Health & Rehab Center and surrounding rubble after a gas explosion the day prior on Dec. 24, 2025, in Bristol, Pa.
Officials' Statements and Investigation
At a press briefing, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said a preliminary investigation suggests a gas leak may have caused the blast. Bristol Township Police Chief C.J. Winik confirmed that 19 people remained hospitalized as of Dec. 24, including one in critical condition, and that everyone who had been in the building has been accounted for.
"I’ve never seen such heroism," Winik said, praising first responders who entered the unstable building despite the lingering smell of gas and collapsing walls.
Bristol Township Fire Department Chief Kevin Dippolito said heavy machinery has been deployed to excavate portions of the site as part of the investigation. He added his department had not received prior reports of a gas leak at the facility and could not confirm whether the smell of gas was present before the utility crew's arrival.
Human Impact
Family members remembered Nduthu for her dedication to her family and to caring for others. Her eldest son, Clinton Ndegwa, told reporters his mother — originally from Kenya — had been planning to spend the holidays with family and took pride in serving others.
Gov. Shapiro ordered Pennsylvania flags at Commonwealth facilities, buildings and grounds in Bucks County lowered to half-staff to honor the victims. County officials also issued statements praising the rapid actions of firefighters, police, EMS and nursing home staff.
The investigation remains active. Emergency crews, utility representatives and investigators continue to work on the scene to determine the precise cause of the explosion and assess structural safety and recovery needs.
