On Tuesday, an explosion occurred at a nursing home in Pennsylvania, resulting in at least two fatalities, with several reported missing, said Governor Josh Shapiro, according to LETA citing AFP.
"Catastrophic" explosion destroyed part of the Silverlake nursing home, and a gas leak may have caused the incident. Some people were trapped in the burning debris.
"At this time, at least two fatalities are confirmed. We know that some people are still reported missing," the governor stated at a press conference.
Bristol Fire Chief Kevin Dipolito reported that upon arrival, firefighters detected a "strong smell of gas."
During the explosion, there was a "structural collapse," and part of the first floor fell into the basement, trapping people inside. According to Dipolito, five people are still reported missing.
Shapiro noted that the building had new owners as of this month. Pennsylvania health inspectors visited the nursing home on December 10 and met with its staff to develop a plan to update the facility's standards.
