State Governor Josh Shapiro, who appeared on the scene with rescuers, said that the services were “continuing rescue operations” and clearing the rubble. According to local WHP television, authorities were unable to confirm the number of people missing or unaccounted for, announcing an update overnight.
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How many people died as a result of the explosion?
Where did the explosion take place?
What caused the explosion?
What actions did the emergency services take?
Firefighters received a report of an explosion, as a result of which the first floor of the building collapsed into the basement, and then a fire broke out.
— Authorities said two people were rescued from the rubble and other residents and staff were evacuated, with some being lifted out of windows and transported to safety. Emergency crews were working to save people trapped under rubble in the basement, WHP said.
The station reports that during the evacuation, rescuers smelled a “strong smell of gas.” Just 30 seconds after the last people had been moved out, a second explosion occurred, causing the fire to spread quickly. Fighting the fire led the services to the source of a gas leak in the basement.
Shortly after the second explosion, local authorities declared a state of natural disaster. Sonar and tracking dogs were used to search the rubble. Shapiro also said the nursing home has new owners, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health met with them on Dec. 10 to discuss plans to modernize the facility.
