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New Lawsuit Targets PECO and Operator Over Deadly Bristol Nursing Home Blast

Plaintiffs say a known gas leak went unaddressed, with no evacuation.

Overview

  • Filed Wednesday in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, the suit names PECO and parent Exelon, operator Saber Healthcare Group, Bristol Health & Rehab Center, and the facility’s former operator.
  • Residents Joseph Juhas Sr. and MaryAnn Schnepp, along with their spouses, allege negligence tied to the Dec. 23 explosion that killed three people and injured about 20.
  • The filings assert defendants failed to repair a gas leak, turn off service, or evacuate residents, and that scheduled smoking sessions continued despite the danger.
  • The complaint details traumatic brain injuries, intracranial bleeding, and multiple fractures for both plaintiffs, with Schnepp also suffering a collapsed lung.
  • PECO and Saber said they are cooperating with the NTSB investigation and would not comment on the case; residents had reported gas odors and PECO crews responded on the day of the blast, and the plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $50,000.