An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania on Friday killed four people and three remain missing.
Firefighters responded to RM Palmer Company Berks County, Pennsylvania, An explosion and multiple alarm fires were reported around 5pm on Friday, March 24th.
The blast caused significant destruction, collapsing Building 2 and damaging Building 1 at RM Palmer. According to FOX29.
Three people are still missing after authorities said a fourth body had been found at the site of the blast early Sunday morning.
Explosion at RM Palmer chocolate factory in Pennsylvania kills three, company mourns
Firefighters extinguish an explosion at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. (Read Eagle via Jeff Dolp/AP)
On Saturday morning, officials said there were “a silver lining” after one person was found alive in the rubble of the deadly explosion.
A spokesman for UGI Utilities said the crew was brought in after blast damage led to the release of gases that caused the fire.
“There were no calls regarding gas leaks or gas orders prior to the incident. However, we are cooperating with the investigation and part of that is checking all nearby facilities,” said UGI spokesman Joseph Swope. said on Saturday.
Plant workers complained of smelling gas all day Friday, said Frank DeJesus, whose stepdaughter was working in the building next door at the time of the blast.
Explosion at RM Palmer Chocolate Factory in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the site of the blast on Saturday and promised resources for first responders to continue rescue efforts.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who have been unable to return home…we are with you. My administration is here to provide all resources and support the needs of West Reading.” Governor Shapiro said.
According to RM Palmer’s website, the company has been making chocolate novelties since 1948 and currently employs 850 people at its West Reading headquarters. The company’s Facebook page included an entry earlier this month promoting chocolate bunnies and the “newest Milk Chocolate Hollow” from the “Bunny Family” as containing jelly beans as Easter treats. . The company is by no means the area’s most famous chocolate maker, but he has Hershey’s less than an hour to the west.
An explosion at the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania leaves four dead and three missing. (WTXF/screen grab)
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The company has set up a hotline to support families. That number is 610-374-5224 extension 539.
Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf, Elizabeth Pritchett and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
