On December 24, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) issued a statement following an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township. The incident resulted in two deaths and left dozens injured, prompting a large-scale emergency response on Christmas Eve.
Fitzpatrick expressed his condolences and gratitude to first responders, stating: “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 explosion occurred after PECO crews responded to reports of a gas odor at the facility. While on site, an initial explosion caused the first floor to collapse into the basement, trapping people inside. A second explosion followed about 30 seconds later. Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Fitzpatrick highlighted the actions of emergency personnel: “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.”
Following the explosion, Fitzpatrick visited Lower Bucks Hospital where he addressed media and received an operational briefing. He stated that his office remains involved and is prepared to secure federal assistance if needed as recovery efforts continue.
He was joined at the command post by Governor Josh Shapiro and Mike Motte, CEO of Lower Bucks Hospital. Together they met with nurses, medical professionals, and first responders working since the initial call.
Brian Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s 1st District in Congress since 2017 (https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/about). He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and currently resides in Levittown. Fitzpatrick graduated from La Salle University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Juris Doctor from Pennsylvania State University’s Carlisle campus in 2001.
