2 dead, several injured in explosion at Pennsylvania chocolate factory

A large explosion at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, killed two and injured several on Friday.

The explosion occurred at the RM Palmer Company, according to CBS Philadelphia. Video from the scene showed flames and black smoke rising hundreds of feet into the air.

Reading Hospital has received a total of eight patients, a hospital spokesperson told CBS News. Of these, one was transferred to another hospital, two were in fair condition and the other five needed to be treated and discharged, the spokesperson said.

Rescue efforts were still underway Friday night, West Reading Borough Police Chief Wayne Holben said. Nine other people are also missing, he added.

The RM Palmer factory makes seasonal chocolates for occasions such as Easter, Christmas and Halloween, according to the company’s website, and employs around 850 people.

The town of West Reading, located in Berks County, is about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.