Video: Factory explosion in Pennsylvania leaves at least seven dead

The motives behind the explosion at the historic RM Palmer Co. chocolate factory are still under investigation. Authorities are advising residents to avoid the area.

Published by

Verónica Silveri Pazos

25 de marzo, 2023

Topics:

Pennsylvania

An explosion at a chocolate factory in southeastern Pennsylvania left at least seven dead and ten injured Friday. The information was confirmed by West Reading County Police Department Chief Wayne Holben.

Holden advised residents to avoid the area surrounding the factory until further notice. He also said that investigators are continuing to work to determine the motives behind the explosion.

The explosion caused significant destruction. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag warned of the severity of the damage and offered her condolences to the affected families:

It's pretty much leveled (...) The building in the front, with the church and the apartments, the explosion was so big that it moved that building four feet forward (...) The tragic explosion at RM Palmer Company and the loss of life has shaken our community. It is always difficult to accept such sudden and unexpected events and, unfortunately, that is what happened today. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those who have been affected.

Tower Health spokeswoman Jessica Bezler told The Associated Press that the eight people who were injured were transported to a local hospital.

RM Palmer Co. is considered an important part of the county's history. It has been in business since 1948 and has more than 850 employees at the site where the explosion took place. The company is known for its chocolate Easter bunnies and for being one of the largest and most important confectioneries in the country.