Multiple injured in explosion and fire at Pennsylvania nursing home

Multiple people are reported to be injured following an explosion and fire at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials say.

Emergency crews were called to the Silver Lake Nursing Home at about 14:00 local time (19:00GMT) on Tuesday. Firefighters believe some people may still be trapped inside the building.

An emergency management official told CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that the fire remains active and part of the structure has collapsed. It’s not clear how many people are injured, and the cause of explosion is still under investigation.

Images and videos posted on social platforms by local media outlets show a partially collapsed building with massive flames billowing out of it.

Local utility provider PECO said its crews had responded to reports of a gas odour at the facility in Bristol Township in the afternoon.

While they were on site, an explosion occurred, a company spokesperson said. Natural gas and electric service to the building were subsequently shut off.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro offered his prayers for the community and said he was in contact with local officials and first responders on the scene.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick urged people to avoid the area.

“My team and I are in direct communication with local officials and emergency responders, and we are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene,” he wrote on X.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.