Overview
- Authorities said all residents and employees have been located, with 20 people initially hospitalized, one in critical condition, and no injuries to first responders reported.
- The explosion struck as PECO crews investigated reports of a gas odor, and the utility cut gas and electric service while saying it remains unknown whether its equipment or natural gas supply were involved.
- Fire officials described a second explosion shortly after crews exited the building and a partial collapse that dropped part of the first floor into the basement, complicating rescues.
- Search and rescue operations included evacuations through windows and stairwells, hand excavation, search dogs, heavy equipment, and sonar, with two people pulled from a collapsed section.
- State records show the 174-bed facility changed owners this month and had multiple violations cited in an October inspection, even as a new improvement plan was recently initiated.