An explosion and fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, US, killed at least two people on Tuesday and left several others injured, as rescue operations continued into the evening.
The blast was reported at around 2:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT) after emergency services received calls about a gas smell at the facility.
When crews arrived, the building exploded, triggering a fire and causing part of the nursing home to collapse.
Authorities said five people remain unaccounted for, though it is not yet clear whether they were inside the building at the time of the explosion.
Emergency responders rescued residents from windows, stairwells, and elevators, moving them to safety. One police officer carried two people out of the building, according to Fire Chief, Kevin Dippolito.
Several residents were trapped in the basement following the collapse but were later rescued, Dippolito said. “We’re still in rescue mode and have not transitioned into recovery,” he added.
Crews continued searching the site for anyone who may still be trapped.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said the total number of injuries had not yet been confirmed and that the cause of the explosion and fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home remains under investigation.
Images from local media showed parts of the building collapsed and flames rising from the structure.
Governor Shapiro praised the emergency response and the assistance offered by nearby residents. “This is the Pennsylvania way: neighbours helping neighbours in a moment of need,” he said.