Health care group affiliated with Bucks County nursing home destroyed in explosion has two Susquehanna Valley locations
Updated: 1:18 PM EST Dec 24, 2025
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The health care group affiliated with the Bucks County nursing home destroyed in an explosion operates two facilities in the Susquehanna Valley. Video above: Aerial footage of the devastating aftermath of the explosionThe explosion happened Tuesday at Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township, sending 20 people to the hospital and killing at least two, officials said. Saber Healthcare Group also has locations in Dauphin and Perry counties: Senior Rehabilitation Center in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County Skilled Nursing Services in Penn Township, Perry County Saber Healthcare Group addressed the explosion in a Facebook post, noting it became affiliated with the Bristol center just 24 days prior. Full statement from Saber Healthcare Group: “Yesterday, a devastating explosion occurred at Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Currently, we are still determining the full extent of the damage, and our team continues to work with emergency response personnel, firefighters, and state and local officials to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and the larger community. “Facility personnel reported a gas smell to PECO. PECO personnel were on site investigating the matter prior to the explosion. “Throughout yesterday afternoon and well into the evening, first responders took immediate action and worked to mitigate the damage. We are forever grateful for their bravery and support in protecting our staff and residents. “Additionally, our Bristol team – those healthcare heroes who work in our facility – refused to rest until residents and colleagues were brought to safety. We could not be prouder of those men and women who, in the face of tragedy, stepped up to support one another. “Just 24 days ago, Saber Healthcare Group became affiliated with Bristol Health and Rehab Center. We have worked to improve and fix prior issues, and we will continue that work in the wake of this event. “We thank those who have offered their thoughts and prayers for our staff and residents, and we will continue to work to ensure the safety of the community in the days and weeks to come.”Everything we know about the explosionExplosion and partial collapseExplosion and fire tore through the basement of Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township on Tuesday, around 2:15 p.m., causing a partial building collapse. Gas leak and emergency responseLocal gas utility reported crews were responding to a gas leak just before the collapse. Firefighters from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, plus New Jersey crews, responded.Casualties and searchTwo people confirmed dead; 20 transported to hospitals.Search-and-rescue operations have since concluded. Inspection violationsOctober inspection cited violations: missing floor plans, unsafe stairways, unsecured oxygen cylinders and absent smoke partitions.About the facility170‑bed facility that housed about 150 residents daily.Formerly known as Silver Lake Nursing Home. Located just 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Ongoing InvestigationNTSB, ATF and many local agencies are conducting an investigation.
The health care group affiliated with the Bucks County nursing home destroyed in an explosion operates two facilities in the Susquehanna Valley.
Video above: Aerial footage of the devastating aftermath of the explosion
The explosion happened Tuesday at Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township, sending 20 people to the hospital and killing at least two, officials said.
Saber Healthcare Group also has locations in Dauphin and Perry counties:
Saber Healthcare Group addressed the explosion in a Facebook post, noting it became affiliated with the Bristol center just 24 days prior.
Full statement from Saber Healthcare Group:
“Yesterday, a devastating explosion occurred at Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Currently, we are still determining the full extent of the damage, and our team continues to work with emergency response personnel, firefighters, and state and local officials to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and the larger community.
“Facility personnel reported a gas smell to PECO. PECO personnel were on site investigating the matter prior to the explosion.
“Throughout yesterday afternoon and well into the evening, first responders took immediate action and worked to mitigate the damage. We are forever grateful for their bravery and support in protecting our staff and residents.
“Additionally, our Bristol team – those healthcare heroes who work in our facility – refused to rest until residents and colleagues were brought to safety. We could not be prouder of those men and women who, in the face of tragedy, stepped up to support one another.
“Just 24 days ago, Saber Healthcare Group became affiliated with Bristol Health and Rehab Center. We have worked to improve and fix prior issues, and we will continue that work in the wake of this event.
“We thank those who have offered their thoughts and prayers for our staff and residents, and we will continue to work to ensure the safety of the community in the days and weeks to come.”
Everything we know about the explosion
Explosion and partial collapse
- Explosion and fire tore through the basement of Bristol Health and Rehab Center in Bristol Township on Tuesday, around 2:15 p.m., causing a partial building collapse.
Gas leak and emergency response
- Local gas utility reported crews were responding to a gas leak just before the collapse.
- Firefighters from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, plus New Jersey crews, responded.
Casualties and search
- Two people confirmed dead; 20 transported to hospitals.
- Search-and-rescue operations have since concluded.
Inspection violations
- October inspection cited violations: missing floor plans, unsafe stairways, unsecured oxygen cylinders and absent smoke partitions.
About the facility
- 170‑bed facility that housed about 150 residents daily.
- Formerly known as Silver Lake Nursing Home.
- Located just 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia.
Ongoing Investigation
- NTSB, ATF and many local agencies are conducting an investigation.
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