Bristol, Pennsylvania — A new lawsuit has emerged following the tragic explosion at a nursing home in Bucks County, which claimed the lives of three individuals and injured approximately 20 others just days before Christmas. Residents Joseph Juhas Sr. and MaryAnn Schnepp are among the plaintiffs in the case, alongside the spouses of those who lost their lives.
The legal action was submitted to the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court and targets multiple defendants, including PECO Energy Company, its parent organization Exelon Energy, Bristol Health and Rehab Center LLC, and its parent company Saber Healthcare Group. The operators of the nursing home prior to Saber have also been listed as defendants.
According to Brian Fritz, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, the tragic incident is attributed to the negligence of the named defendants. He emphasized that his clients experienced devastating, life-altering injuries due to what he described as a failure to address a known gas leak and unsafe conditions prior to the explosion.
Although the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation, early reports indicate that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is among those looking into the circumstances. While the lawsuit suggests that smoking may have played a role, it highlights troubling claims that residents had reported a strong gas odor leading up to the incident. Despite these warnings, no evacuation was ordered.
The lawsuit critiques the nursing home’s management for seemingly ignoring the serious threat posed by the gas leak, stating that they continued with normal operations. It further alleges that staff irresponsibly provided cigarettes and lighters during smoking sessions, a decision described as reckless given the known dangers.
Susie Gubitosi, a resident who uses a wheelchair and is blind, recounted her experience just moments before the explosion. She had returned inside following a cigarette break when the blast occurred, underscoring the chaos and fear that enveloped the facility.
The injuries sustained by the plaintiffs are severe. Schnepp reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury along with multiple broken bones, while Juhas also experienced a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries as a result of the explosion.
In response to the lawsuit, Zach Shamberg, a representative for Saber Healthcare Group, stated that they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation and cannot comment further on the matter at hand. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for PECO indicated their involvement in the NTSB investigation but maintained that they would refrain from discussing specifics under NTSB guidelines.
Questions surrounding the safety of the gas infrastructure have arisen, as it remains uncertain how old or damaged the gas line servicing the nursing home may be. Reports indicate that PECO is responsible for around 742 miles of gas lines deemed substandard statewide, which are linked to over 80 percent of gas leaks.
Plans for replacing these lines have been announced, with a target completion date set for 2035. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the local community remains on edge, seeking answers and accountability for the devastating events that transpired.
