Overview
- The explosion struck around 2:15 p.m. at the 174‑bed Bristol Health & Rehab Center, collapsing part of the structure and igniting a fire.
- PECO said its crews were on site for a gas-odor call when the blast occurred, then cut natural gas and electric service to secure the area.
- Authorities confirmed at least two fatalities, about 21 people injured were taken to five hospitals, and five individuals remained unaccounted for.
- Rescue teams contended with flames and a second explosion, deploying search dogs, heavy equipment, sonar and later drones to find potential victims.
- State utility and health agencies opened a probe that includes October safety citations and a recent change in ownership, and a family reunification center was set up at Truman High School.