An explosion at the RM Palmer Company chocolate in West Reading, Pennsylvania has resulted in multiple injuries. Several people are reported to be trapped inside the building.
According to Pennsylvania Emergency Management officials, two people are dead, seven are missing, and six have been hospitalized.
Videos of the explosion are being circulated on social media. The factory is in Berks County, about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Mayor Samantha Kaag said.
BREAKING: Massive #explosion at the RMPalmer Factory in West Redding. Our weather cameras caught the explosion. Almost at the scene to learn more from police. RMPalmer is a big chocolate candy maker, and makes a lot of Easter candy. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/Jgpjbyt7fN
— Eddie Kadhim Journalist (@KadhimWrites) March 24, 2023
Reading Hospital has received a total of six patients, spokeswoman Jessica Bezler said, adding that one of them would be be transferred and the others were being evaluated. Numerous Emergency crews and response teams are responding to a 3-alarm fire with a massive explosion.
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The explosion is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, but officials are still investigating. However, nothing is official yet.
According to the company’s website, RM Palmer was founded in 1948. About 850 people work there. The factory is known for making seasonal chocolates, including hollow milk chocolate bunnies for Easter.
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“Currently Numerous Emergency crews and response teams are responding to a 3-alarm fire with a Massive explosion at a RM Palmer chocolate company in West Reading Pennsylvania reports of multiple people have been trapped with injuries inside the building.hearing explosion from mile,” a Twitter user said.
“Blast rocked the RM Palmer Company in West Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania Friday evening. It all happened just before 5:00 PM on South 2nd Avenue, at the business, which makes chocolate,” another one tweeted.