2 dead and 9 missing after the explosion of a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania
The incident happened at the RM Palmer Company in West Reading.
Two people are dead, 9 are missing and several others are injured after an explosion at a chocolate factory Friday in West Reading, Pa., police and city officials said.
The explosion occurred around 4:57 p.m. at the RM Palmer Company in West Reading, located about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on March 24, 2023.
WPVI
According to West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben, teams are still searching the rubble.
The explosion destroyed a nearby building and damaged another. The cause of the blast is not known and there is no danger to residents, officials said.
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on March 24, 2023.
WPVI
At a press conference, Mayor Samantha Kaag, a former volunteer firefighter, called the incident ‘rather scary’ and said the blast was so loud it rolled back a building three feet four. She added that the factory building was “fairly level” and crews will “probably” be working overnight and over the weekend at the scene of the blast.
Footage from the scene showed smoke and flame billowing from the factory earlier on Friday evening.
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on March 24, 2023.
WPVI
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on March 24, 2023.
WPVI
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
ABC News
