RM Palmer chocolate factory explosion in Pennsylvania: 4 dead, 3 missing as search efforts continue
- An explosion on Friday at a Pennsylvania chocolate factory left 4 people dead and 3 accounted for
- Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blast
- Damage from the blast led to the release of gas that was making the blaze worse
An explosion on Friday at a Pennsylvania chocolate factory left 4 people dead and 3 accounted for. On March 24, at approximately 5 p.m., firefighters responded to R.M. Palmer Company in Berks County, Pennsylvania after reports of a blast and a multi-alarm fire.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blast that caused significant destruction to R.M. Palmer’s Building 1. In addition, Building 2 came crashing down. Three people are still missing after the explosion. According to officials, there was “a sign of hope” after one person was found alive on Saturday, among the rubble after the explosion.
Damage from the blast led to the release of gas that was making the blaze worse. A UGI Utilities spokesman said crews were brought in to manage the situation. “We did not receive any calls regarding a gas leak or gas order prior to the incident. But we are cooperating with the investigation and part of that will be to check all our facilities in the vicinity,” UGI spokesman Joseph Swope said Saturday.
According to Frank DeJesus, whose stepdaughter was working in the building next door at the time of the blast, plant employees had complained that they were getting the smell of gas throughout the day Friday. The explosion site was visited by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. He pledged resources for first responders to continue the rescue effort. “Our hearts break for the families of those who didn’t come home … We are with you – and my administration is here to provide all the resources and support West Reading needs,” Gov. Shapiro said.
Also Read | What caused RM Palmer chocolate factory explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania
R.M. Palmer’s website says that since 1948, the company it has been making chocolate novelties. Its West Reading headquarters, presently has 850 employees.
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