URGENT UPDATE: Four survivors of the deadly explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center are taking legal action against the facility’s operator, Saber Healthcare Group, and its natural gas provider, PECO. The lawsuit was filed on December 25, 2023, accusing both parties of negligence for their alleged failure to address a gas leak that led to the catastrophic incident.
The explosion, which occurred on December 23, caused part of the nursing home in Bucks County to collapse, trapping several individuals inside stairwells and elevator shafts. Amid rescue efforts, a second blast occurred, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including a 66-year-old woman, Patricia Mero, who succumbed to her injuries on December 25. Two others, including a nurse and a resident whose name has not been released, also died.
The lawsuit, filed by Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, highlights the emotional and physical toll on survivors, including former resident Barbara Sall, whose wheelchair was destroyed in the fire, IT contractor James Broderick, and facility aides Stacy Ballard and Davidetta Blay. Each has reportedly received medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Witnesses reported a strong odor of gas in the days leading up to the explosion, but the lawsuit claims that PECO failed to identify and repair the leak in a timely manner. Furthermore, it alleges that the nursing home’s leadership neglected to evacuate the building despite multiple reports of gas odors.
“It is clear that the defendants are responsible for this foreseeable and preventable tragedy,” stated attorney Robert Mongeluzzi. He emphasized that failures in staffing, training, and safety protocols were apparent and contributed to the chaos that day. A state inspection report from October revealed that the facility’s fire safety measures were inadequate, with outdated fire extinguishers and unmaintained stairways.
As the investigation continues, PECO has stated that they are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation and cannot comment further on the allegations. Meanwhile, Saber Healthcare expressed their commitment to cooperating with the ongoing inquiry but refrained from discussing the pending litigation.
With the legal proceedings underway, the focus remains on uncovering the full details surrounding the explosion that devastated the community just before Christmas. Survivors and families affected by this tragedy are eager for accountability and justice as they navigate the aftermath of this horrific event.
Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments in this urgent story as details unfold.
