The incident occurred at the RM Palmer Company in West Reading.
Two people are dead, 9 are missing and multiple others are injured after an explosion at a chocolate factory Friday in West Reading, Pennsylvania, police and city officials said.
The explosion occurred at 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, March 24, 2023.
WPVI
According to West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben, teams are still searching through the rubble.
The explosion caused destruction to one building nearby and damaged another. The cause for the explosion 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, March 24, 2023.
WPVI
At a press conference, Mayor Samantha Kaag, a former volunteer firefighter, called the incident “pretty scary,” and said that the explosion was so strong that it pushed a building back four feet. She added the factory building was “pretty leveled” and crews will “probably” be working through the night and weekend at the scene of the explosion.
Images of the scene showed smoke and flames billowing from the factory earlier Friday evening.
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer Chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, March 24, 2023.
WPVI
Fire crews respond to the RM Palmer Chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, March 24, 2023.
WPVI
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
