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Bristol Health & Rehab Center Explosion and Fire

Last Updated: January 19, 2026

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Written By:   Attorney Michael L. Saile

Written By:

  Attorney Michael L. Saile

On December 23, 2025, a tragic explosion and fire occurred at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center on Tower Road in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The facility was formerly known as the Silver Lake Nursing Home.

This devastating incident has resulted in two confirmed fatalities, a staff member and a resident, and more than 20 individuals being transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries. The explosion caused extensive damage to the building and triggered a large scale emergency response involving local, county, and state agencies.

Cordisco & Saile LLC is currently representing victims and families impacted by this explosion and fire.

Latest Updates

  • January 17, 2026: Muthoni Nduthu was laid to rest following an emotional funeral that honored her life as a devoted nurse, mother, and community pillar after she was killed in the Bristol Health and Rehab Center explosion. Family, friends, and a nurse honor guard remembered her compassion, resilience, and lasting impact as investigations and legal actions related to the explosion continue.
  • January 14, 2026: Cordisco & Saile announces it has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Muthoni Nduthu, who was killed in the explosion and fire at Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township. Cordisco & Saile is also representing other individuals impacted by the incident as investigations continue and additional details emerge.
  • January 13, 2026: Relatives of Muthoni Nduthu, a Bristol Health & Rehab Center employee who was killed in the deadly December 23rd explosion, have joined several survivors in filing lawsuits. Multiple civil cases are now underway as the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation into the blast and fire.
  • January 8, 2026: In an interview with NBC10 Philadelphia, Bristol Health and Rehab Center resident Robert Flesch recounted being told a reported gas leak was fixed before a deadly explosion tore through the facility. Flesch escaped with the help of a staff member and is now recovering from physical injuries and ongoing emotional trauma at another nursing home as investigations into the cause of the explosion continue.
  • January 7, 2026: NBC10 Philadelphia reports that two additional residents injured in the December 23 explosion at Bristol Health and Rehab Center have filed a lawsuit against the facility and PECO, alleging they ignored known risks of a gas leak and continued operations anyway. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are still ongoing. 
  • January 6, 2026According to local reports, four people injured in the December 23 explosion at Bristol Health and Rehab Center have filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the facility and natural gas providers, including PECO Energy Company, Exelon Corporation, and Saber Healthcare Holdings. The lawsuit comes as the death toll has risen to three and as the National Transportation Safety Board continues investigating a possible gas leak that may have been reported before the blast. The investigation remains active and ongoing. 
  • January 5, 2026Local reports detail that a third person has died following the December 23 nursing home explosion. Officials identified the victim as 66-year-old Patricia Mero, who later died from chest trauma. The death comes as the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation. 
  • December 24, 2025: Officials confirmed that two people were killed and 20 others were hospitalized following an explosion at Bristol Health and Rehab Center, according to local reports. Rescue efforts have ended and officials plan to release additional updates as the investigation continues.
  • December 23, 2025: An explosion occurred at Bristol Health and Rehab Center during the afternoon of December 23, 2025. Authorities believe a gas leak may be the cause, though the investigation is ongoing. Emergency crews evacuated residents and staff amid heavy smoke and structural damage as multiple local, state, and federal agencies work to determine what happened.

Our Firm’s Involvement

Over the days following the explosion, Cordisco & Saile has been contacted by victims, residents’ families, and others seeking information about their rights and legal options.

We are now actively representing individuals and families harmed by this incident.
Founding partner John F. Cordisco, who was quoted in local media coverage of the investigation, has more than 35 years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He has practiced his entire career in Bucks County and grew up in Bristol, giving him deep familiarity with the community, local facilities, and the regulatory agencies typically involved in cases of this nature.

In addition to closely monitoring the official investigations, our firm is conducting an independent review to help protect our clients’ rights and preserve critical evidence.

A Message from Cordisco & Saile

Many of you may have seen or heard reports regarding the tragic explosion and fire at the Bristol Health and Rehab Center. Given the understandable concern this incident has raised throughout Bucks County and the surrounding communities, we wanted to share what is currently known and address some of the questions we have been receiving.

According to officials, a gas leak is believed to have contributed to the explosion and fire. Tragically, a staff member and a resident lost their lives, and many others were injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating event.

We are mourning those who were killed and remain deeply concerned for those who were injured and displaced, as well as for their loved ones.

If You or a Loved One Was Affected By the Bristol Health & Rehab Center Explosion

You may have legal rights if you or a family member:

  • Were injured in the explosion or fire
  • Suffered burns, smoke inhalation, or other trauma
  • Lost a loved one
  • Were displaced or experienced disruption in care
  • Have questions about accountability, safety failures, or compensation

Every case is unique, and the facts matter. Speaking with an experienced attorney early can help protect your rights.

Contact Cordisco & Saile

If you have questions, were directly involved, or know someone who may have been affected by the Bristol Health and Rehab Center explosion, contact Cordisco & Saile today. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Written By Michael L. Saile, Jr.
Managing Attorney at Cordisco & Saile

Serving as a personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania, Michael Saile has been honored as both a Brain Injury Top 25 Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers and a 2024 Super Lawyer. He earned his J. D. at Widener University School of Law where he was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society. Saile is also the author of two publications titled “Not Another Bad Lawyer” and “Don’t Crash Again”.

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