Chocolate factory blast in Pennsylvania kills two; five missing
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania has killed two people with five others missing as rescue workers search through debris for survivors, emergency services said on Saturday.
The blast occurred on Friday at the R.M. Palmer Company plant in West Reading, a town about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) said.
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PEMA said an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion, and that an initial incident report included reference to a gas leak.
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— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) March 24, 2023
“A massive explosion [in a factory that produces chocolate] rocked the Reading skyline on Friday evening, sending debris flying through the air and triggering a multi-alarm fire.” pic.twitter.com/KAwte0kB6e
Seven other people were transported to local hospitals with injuries, PEMA added.
Images on social media of the explosion’s aftermath showed a vast pile of debris and massive flames letting off large plumes of thick black smoke, in a downtown area surrounded by other buildings.
The R.M. Palmer Company was founded in 1948. It employs some 850 people and creates 500 unique chocolate and candy products, according to its website.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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