LANGHORNE, PA— Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) released the following statement in the wake of a devastating explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township, which claimed two lives, injured dozens, and prompted a heroic, multi-agency emergency response on Christmas Eve:
“On this Christmas Eve, our hearts are heavy—but they are also grateful.
We have received confirmation that everyone at Silver Lake Nursing Home has been accounted for—an outcome made possible by the heroic first responders who ran into danger again and again, risking their own lives to save others.
We mourn the two lives lost, pray for the twenty who were injured, and hold close the families whose lives have been forever changed.
The incident occurred yesterday, shortly after 2:00 PM, when PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the facility. While crews were on site, an explosion occurred, causing the first floor to collapse into the basement and trapping individuals inside. A second explosion followed approximately 30 seconds later. What happened will be thoroughly examined in the days ahead, and those facts will be made known. An investigation is already underway.
But what needs no explanation is this: when the moment demanded courage, our community delivered it. Firefighters, police officers, medics, nurses, and emergency personnel from across our region answered the call without hesitation, and because of them, lives were saved.
So tonight, as homes and churches across our region are lit for Christmas, we ask for prayers—for those grieving, for those recovering, and for the brave men and women who stood watch when it mattered most.”
Background
Yesterday, Congressman Fitzpatrick was on site at Lower Bucks Hospital, where he addressed the media and received a comprehensive operational briefing following the explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home. He reaffirmed that his office remains fully engaged and stands ready to secure any necessary federal assistance as the response continues.
After the briefing, Congressman Fitzpatrick toured the on-scene command post alongside Governor Josh Shapiro and Mike Motte, CEO of Lower Bucks Hospital, where they met with and thanked the extraordinary nurses, medical professionals, and first responders who have worked tirelessly under dangerous conditions since the first call came in.
###