Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky Files Lawsuit in Deadly Nursing Home Explosion Case
In the wake of the tragic explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia-based law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the facility’s operator, Saber Healthcare Group, and its natural gas supplier, PECO. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of four survivors of the explosion, seeks to hold the defendants accountable for the “foreseeable and preventable tragedy” that occurred just before Christmas, killing three and injuring approximately 20 others.
The Devastating Explosion: A Preventable Tragedy?
On December 23, 2025, a massive explosion ripped through the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, leaving a scene of devastation and despair. The blast, which occurred after reports of a gas odor in the facility, resulted in a partial building collapse, trapping residents and staff amidst the debris. Among the victims were two residents, Ann Reddy and Patricia Ann Mero, a 52-year-old nurse, Muthoni Nduthu.
The lawsuit filed by Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky alleges that the defendants were aware of a gas leak in the building but failed to take the necessary steps to evacuate the premises, repair the leak, and protect the residents, workers, and others who were exposed to the danger. The complaint further claims that the gas leak had been “festering for days” and that the odor of gas was emanating from the boiler room.
Allegations of Negligence: A Breakdown
The lawsuit against Saber Healthcare Group, PECO, and other related entities, including Exelon, outlines several key allegations of negligence:
- Failure to Respond to Gas Leak Reports: The lawsuit claims that despite reports of a strong gas odor in the days and hours leading up to the explosion, the defendants failed to take appropriate action to identify and repair the leak in a timely manner.
- Failure to Evacuate: The complaint alleges that the defendants made a “reckless and outrageous” decision not to evacuate the building, despite the known presence of a gas leak and the vulnerability of the residents, many of whom had limited mobility and were unable to self-evacuate.
- Inadequate Safety Measures: The lawsuit accuses Saber Healthcare and the building’s former owner of neglecting to ensure that adequate safety measures were in place, citing a state inspection report from October 2025 that revealed several safety violations, including improperly maintained stairways, outdated fire extinguishers, and a lack of smoke barrier partitions.
- Failure to Test and Repair Gas Pipeline: The lawsuit claims PECO and Exelon never tested a gas pipeline that fed the nursing home for leaks and failed to properly diagnose and fix the leak once on site.
Legal Recourse for Nursing Home Explosion Victims
Nursing home explosions can result in severe injuries, including burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional distress. In the most tragic cases, these incidents can lead to death. Victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
A nursing home explosion lawsuit can help victims recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial costs (in cases of wrongful death)
The Role of Nursing Home Negligence in Explosions
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. When nursing home negligence contributes to an explosion, the facility and other responsible parties can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Some common examples of nursing home negligence that can lead to explosions include:
- Failure to properly maintain gas lines and equipment
- Failure to detect and respond to gas leaks
- Failure to implement and enforce fire safety protocols
- Failure to train staff on emergency procedures
- Failure to evacuate residents in a timely manner
Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky: Advocates for Victims of Negligence
Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky is a Philadelphia-based law firm with a national reputation for representing victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. The firm has a proven track record of success in handling complex litigation, including cases involving gas explosions and nursing home negligence. The firm is also lead counsel in the pending 2023 fatal R. M. Palmer Chocolate Factory, West Reading, natural gas explosion case that caused seven deaths and multiple injuries, is lead counsel in the pending 2022 Pottstown natural gas explosion that killed five family members, and was co-lead counsel in the 2014 fatal Philadelphia food truck propane-tank explosion case that ultimately resolved pre-trial for $160 million.
Seeking Justice for the Bristol Health & Rehab Center Victims
The lawsuit filed by Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky on behalf of the Bristol Health & Rehab Center explosion survivors represents a crucial step towards seeking justice and accountability for the victims of this devastating tragedy. By holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence, the firm hopes to provide some measure of closure for the victims and their families, while also working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a nursing home explosion or other incident of negligence, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a nursing home explosion, contact Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky today for a free and confidential consultation. Timing is critical for your case. Call 215.496.8282 or fill out the contact form.