UPDATE: Four survivors of the devastating explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center are taking action, filing a lawsuit against the facility’s operator, Saber Healthcare Group, and its natural gas supplier, PECO, for alleged negligence. The lawsuit was officially lodged on December 26, 2023, just three days after the horrific incident that left two dead and over twenty injured.
The explosive incident occurred on December 23, causing significant structural damage and trapping individuals inside stairwells and elevator shafts. A second explosion happened during rescue efforts, heightening the chaos. Tragically, Patricia Mero, a 66-year-old resident, succumbed to her injuries days later, adding to the toll of this catastrophic event. The deceased also included Muthoni Nduthu, a 52-year-old nurse.
According to the lawsuit, Saber Healthcare and PECO are accused of failing to respond adequately to a gas leak that had been reported by residents for days leading up to the explosion. Survivors, including former resident Barbara Sall, IT contractor James Broderick, and facility aides Stacy Ballard and Davidetta Blay, claim they suffered from both physical and emotional injuries due to the incident.
“Our pre-suit investigation left no doubt that the defendants were responsible for this foreseeable and preventable tragedy just before Christmas,” stated attorney Robert Mongeluzzi from Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, who is representing the plaintiffs. The lawsuit highlights critical failures in safety protocols, including inadequate evacuation procedures despite multiple reports of a gas smell and the absence of proper safety measures at the facility.
The facility, which had only recently come under Saber Healthcare’s management on December 1, was reportedly cited in a state inspection report for serious safety violations, including outdated fire extinguishers and poorly maintained stairways. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
PECO has not commented on the specific allegations due to their participation in an ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). They stated,
“We are fully cooperating with the NTSB and according to the NTSB rules, we are not permitted to comment on this matter.”
Saber Healthcare echoed a similar sentiment, confirming their cooperation with ongoing investigations and refraining from discussing pending litigation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, attention turns to the legal proceedings ahead and the potential ramifications for both Saber Healthcare and PECO. The urgent need for accountability and enhanced safety measures in nursing homes has never been clearer.
Developments are ongoing, and as investigations unfold, more details are expected to emerge regarding the responsibilities of those involved and the critical safety failures that led to this heartbreaking event. Stay tuned for further updates.
