An explosion at the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania killed at least two, Pennsylvania Emergency Management officials said. The accident resulted in multiple injuries while several are reported to be trapped inside the building.
Reading Hospital spokeswoman Jessica Bezler said that they have received a total of six patients. She further stated 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.
Visuals of the explosion are being circulated on Twitter. Mayor Samantha Kaag said that the factory is in Berks County, about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
While the cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, officials are investigating the possibility of a gas leak, abc6 reported.
“Acknowledging the fact that the powerful explosion injured at least six people, I’m inclined to believe the cause of the blast was not due to the chocolate factory, but another factor,” a Twitter user said.
“What could be in a chocolate factory that can cause that type explosion? There would need to be some additional explosives and accelerants for that type of explosion, wouldn’t you think? Another explosion in Biden’s America. Sorry to those hurt or killed for whatever reason,” another one added.
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“Well maybe its from the short circuit from the ekectricty cause of the explosion???” a third one tweeted.
RM Palmer was founded in 1948 and about 850 people work there, the company’s website states. The factory is known for making seasonal chocolates, including hollow milk chocolate bunnies for Easter. Marty Palmer is the President and CEO of the company
“It has been a true pleasure to manage the Palmer Candy operation since joining at the age of 23. I am fortunate enough to be part of the fifth generation of Palmers actively owning and managing this amazing innovative company,” he is quoted on the website.
