Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, 24 December (H.S.): A catastrophic gas explosion tore through Silver Lake Healthcare Center on Tuesday afternoon, partially collapsing the structure, igniting a ferocious blaze, and injuring multiple residents while trapping others inside the 174-bed facility 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia.

Bucks County dispatch logged the blast at 2:17 p.m. local time on the 900 block of Tower Road, prompting a massive response from Parkland Fire Company and regional agencies under a Level 2 mass casualty declaration, with flames and black smoke visible for miles.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Ruth Miller confirmed entrapments amid ongoing firefighting, while Police Lt. Sean Cosgrove reported injuries without serious cases or fatalities detailed by evening; several patients remained unaccounted for.

Utility provider PECO dispatched crews post-odor reports, witnessing the detonation before severing natural gas and electric services.Governor Josh Shapiro, en route to the scene, coordinated with local officials via PEMA and State Police, urging prayers and compliance with directives: The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick echoed avoidance pleas, monitoring alongside emergency responders.

Social media and local footage depicted a thunderous plume shattering nearby windows, with bystanders and staff aiding evacuations to Truman High School—stocked for reunification but initially empty.

State Rep. Tina Davis decried the holiday timing: It's just so sad... I hope there's positive results. The Saber Healthcare-operated center, rebranded from Silver Lake with a one-star Medicare rating, underscores vulnerabilities in elder care infrastructure.Probe into ignition source proceeds amid structural assessments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar