Four Survivors Sue Bristol Nursing Home Operator After Fatal Explosion

BREAKING: A lawsuit has been filed against the Bristol Health & Rehab Center and PECO following a devastating explosion that killed three people and injured over twenty in Bucks County last month. The suit, filed on December 26, 2023, claims negligence on the part of both Saber Healthcare Group, the facility’s operator, and PECO, the natural gas supplier.

Survivors Barbara Sall, James Broderick, Stacy Ballard, and Davidetta Blay are seeking justice for the physical and emotional injuries they sustained during the catastrophic event. The explosion on December 23 resulted in part of the nursing home collapsing, trapping residents in stairwells and elevator shafts. A second blast occurred during the chaotic rescue efforts.

The tragic incident has now claimed the lives of three individuals, including 66-year-old Patricia Mero, who succumbed to her injuries on December 25. The other victims were identified as 52-year-old nurse Muthoni Nduthu and a resident whose name has not been released.

NEW DETAILS: The lawsuit alleges that PECO failed to address a gas leak that had been reported by residents for days before the explosion. Despite complaints of a strong gas smell, PECO was on site investigating the issue when the explosions occurred. The suit claims that both PECO and Saber Healthcare neglected to implement necessary safety measures, leading to a “foreseeable and preventable tragedy.”

Attorney Robert Mongeluzzi, representing the survivors, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We will prove that there were failures in staffing, training, and supervision.” The lawsuit also highlights that basic life safety protocols were ignored, putting innocent lives at risk.

A state inspection report from October revealed troubling safety violations at the nursing home, including inadequate maintenance of stairways and outdated fire extinguishers. Additionally, the building lacked smoke barrier partitions and an accurate floor plan, raising serious questions about the facility’s preparedness for emergencies.

As investigations continue, both PECO and Saber Healthcare have expressed their cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) inquiry but declined to comment further on the lawsuit. PECO stated, “We are fully cooperating with the NTSB and according to the NTSB rules, we are not permitted to comment on this matter.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The lawsuit has been filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Survivors and families of victims are seeking accountability and hope for changes in safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This developing story highlights critical issues of safety and negligence in care facilities, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and reform. Share this article to raise awareness about the ongoing investigation and support for the victims.