A tragic explosion rocked West Reading, Pennsylvania, on Friday when an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory brought the community to its knees.
The West Reading Borough Police Department estimates that two people are dead, nine are missing, and eight more were injured in the blast that shook the town, putting a close to many stories of hope.
Chief Wayne Holben spoke of the two confirmed fatalities, while a spokeswoman for Tower Health reported that 8 of the injured had been taken to Reading Hospital.
The blast completely leveled building 2 of the R.M Palmer Co. chocolate factory, with damage radiating to the neighboring Building 1.
Firefighters had rushed to the scene after reports of an explosion and a raging fire.
Investigators are still gathering evidence at the scene, but Chief Holben warned the public to stay away from the factory until further notice.
The R.M. Palmer Co. has been a staple in the area since 1948, specializing in seasonally themed sweets such as chocolate Easter bunnies.
Even though the factory employed over 850, their business was exclusive to West Reading, making their loss felt even more deeply.
As the recovery begins and the town mourns the losses, the families of the affected are hoping for a safe return of all their loved ones.
A tragic explosion rocked West Reading, Pennsylvania, on Friday when an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory brought the community to its knees.
The West Reading Borough Police Department estimates that two people are dead, nine are missing, and eight more were injured in the blast that shook the town and put a close to many stories of hope.
Chief Wayne Holben spoke of the two confirmed fatalities, while a spokeswoman for Tower Health reported that 8 of the injured had been taken to Reading Hospital.
Building 2 of the R.M Palmer Co. chocolate factory was completely leveled by the blast, with damage radiating out to the neighboring Building 1.
Firefighters had rushed to the scene after reports of an explosion and a raging fire.
Investigators are still gathering evidence at the scene, but Chief Holben warned the public to stay away from the factory until any further notice.
The R.M. Palmer Co. has been a staple in the area since 1948, specializing in seasonally themed sweets such as chocolate Easter bunnies.
Even though the factory employed over 850, their business was exclusive to the town of West Reading, making their loss felt even more deeply.
As the recovery begins and the town mourns the losses, the families of the affected are hoping for a safe return of all their loved ones.