UPDATE: Four survivors of the tragic explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center are taking legal action against the facility’s operator, Saber Healthcare Group, and its natural gas supplier, PECO, for alleged negligence in a deadly incident that occurred last month. The lawsuit, filed on December 23, 2023, accuses the defendants of ignoring reports of a gas leak that ultimately led to the explosion.
The horrific event caused part of the nursing home to collapse, trapping residents and staff inside. Survivors include former resident Barbara Sall—whose wheelchair was destroyed in the fire—along with IT contractor James Broderick and facility aides Stacy Ballard and Davidetta Blay. Each individual has reportedly received medical treatment for both physical and emotional injuries due to the explosion.
The incident not only resulted in immediate chaos but also claimed the lives of two individuals that day, with another fatality confirmed just days later. Patricia Mero, a 66-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries on December 25, 2023. The initial explosion and a subsequent blast during rescue efforts left over 20 people injured, raising serious concerns about the facility’s safety protocols.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the explosion. On the day of the tragedy, PECO was reportedly on-site to investigate complaints of a gas smell that had persisted for days. Despite the overwhelming evidence of danger, the lawsuit claims that PECO failed to repair the leak in time, and the facility’s administration neglected to evacuate the building.
The complaint also highlights severe deficiencies in safety measures at the nursing home. According to an inspection report from October, the facility had outdated fire extinguishers, improperly maintained stairways, and a lack of smoke barrier partitions. Alarmingly, the building’s floor plan was also found to be inaccurate, endangering all occupants during the crisis.
The lawsuit was filed by the law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Attorney Robert Mongeluzzi stated, “Our pre-suit investigation left no doubt that the defendants were responsible for this foreseeable and preventable tragedy just before Christmas.” He emphasized that there were clear failures in staffing and safety protocols, which put innocent lives at risk.
In response to the lawsuit, PECO declined to comment, citing their cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The company stated, “We are fully cooperating with the NTSB and according to the NTSB rules, we are not permitted to comment on this matter.”
Meanwhile, Saber Healthcare has acknowledged their participation in the ongoing investigation but refrained from discussing the pending litigation. Their statement read, “At this time, we are cooperating with the ongoing investigation at Bristol.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, the emotional toll on survivors and the families affected by this tragedy continues to grow. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, with many now questioning the adequacy of safety measures in facilities meant to care for vulnerable individuals.
WHAT’S NEXT: The upcoming hearings will likely reveal more about the circumstances leading to this catastrophic failure, with survivors and families eager for answers and accountability. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety regulations in nursing homes, as communities seek to prevent such disasters in the future.
