Four individuals hurt in a devastating explosion at a suburban Philadelphia care home have launched a legal action, alleging gross negligence by the facility's operators and the local gas company.
Details of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The legal claim was filed in a Philadelphia court on Monday, 5th January 2026. It names Bristol Health & Rehab Center LLC, the natural gas provider PECO Energy Company, its parent firm Exelon Corp., and the home's owner, Saber Healthcare Holdings LLC of Ohio, as defendants.
The plaintiffs include two workers from the home, a resident, and a contractor who was present at the time of the blast on 23rd December. They contend that the defendants knew about a gas leak in the building for days but failed to act appropriately.
The lawsuit states the defendants "were aware of a gas leak in the building and failed to take the steps necessary to evacuate the building, fix the leak and protect the residents, workers and others." It further alleges that the decision not to evacuate immediately was "reckless and outrageous," especially given the limited mobility of many residents.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The explosion, which occurred in Bristol, about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia, resulted in tragic consequences. It killed one resident and one worker, Muthoni Nduthu, 52, and injured twenty other people. The force of the blast was so severe it shook nearby houses for blocks.
In the wake of the disaster, approximately 100 residents were relocated to other care homes in the vicinity. Authorities have praised acts of heroism during the response but have not yet officially determined the cause.
A PECO crew had been on-site responding to reports of a gas odour emanating from the boiler room when the explosion happened. PECO has stated the cause remains under investigation and it is not yet known if its equipment or natural gas was involved.
Response from the Companies Involved
Zach Shamberg, chief of government affairs for Saber Healthcare Group, said the company is cooperating with the investigation and does not comment on ongoing litigation. Attempts to reach PECO's communications director for comment on Monday were not immediately successful.
This negligence lawsuit seeks to hold the parties accountable for the catastrophic event that has left a community in mourning and several individuals recovering from their injuries.
