Bristol Township Police Chief Charles Winik praised the bravery of first responders who sprang into action following the explosion at Bristol Health and Rehab Center, write Jo Brandt and Julie Hanson for CBS News Philadelphia.
He pointed to extraordinary acts of heroism by rescuers in the aftermath of the blast, which resulted in the death of one resident and one staff member.
Emergency agencies from across Bucks County and the surrounding region responded to the nursing home after two explosions and the smell of gas was reported. Officials said the blast collapsed the cafeteria and kitchen areas and led to the evacuation of 120 residents.
According to Winik, fire crews went inside even with the smell of natural gas still present in order to evacuate the residents.
“I’ve never seen such heroism,” said Winik. “They were still going into the building to recover people that couldn’t walk, they were in wheelchairs, some people couldn’t talk. It just could’ve been a much more serious catastrophe.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro also praised one of the first responders during his remarks at the scene, noting his heroic effort in carrying two people on his back to safety.
Read more about the praise given by Bristol Township Police Chief Charles Winik to local first responders at CBS News Philadelphia.
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