Search Continues for Missing After Chocolate Factory Explosion in Pennsylvania [Video]

What You Need To Know!

• An explosion occurred at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania on Friday, killing three people and leaving four missing.
• One person was found alive in the rubble, but rescue workers continue to search for the missing individuals.
• The cause of the explosion is still unknown, and roadways near the site will be closed until Monday.

A chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania experienced a devastating explosion on Friday, resulting in the death of three people and leaving four individuals missing. The R.M. Palmer Co. plant, located approximately 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia, suffered from a blast just before 5 p.m. on March 24, which destroyed one building and damaged a neighboring one.

Rescue crews, including dogs and imaging equipment, are still searching through the rubble for missing individuals. West Reading Borough Chief of Police Wayne Holben explained that the death toll rose to three on March 25 after the discovery of a third body at the site.

The Berks County Medical Examiner and Coroner confirmed three fatalities on March 26. Borough Fire Chief Chad Moyer noted that four people remain missing and that emergency personnel are continuing to search for victims, while state and local fire investigators examine the scene to determine a cause.

The blast also resulted in the release of gas, which was helping to feed the fire. UGI Utilities’ spokesperson, Joseph Swope, stated that although the company did not receive any calls regarding a gas leak or order prior to the incident, they are cooperating with the investigation and will check all facilities in the area.

Reading Hospital received 10 patients, with one being transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital and another to Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. Two were admitted to Reading Hospital in good and fair condition, respectively, and the others have been discharged.

The explosion devastated the community, and local authorities and rescue workers are working tirelessly to find the missing individuals and determine the cause of the incident. The R.M. Palmer Co. expressed devastation over the tragedy and their primary focus is on supporting their employees and their families.

They were relying on first responders and disaster recovery organizations to provide information to affected families as their email, phones, and other communication systems were down. The company is anxious to get in touch with its employees and their families, and will be providing additional information and making contact with employees, impacted families, and the community as soon as possible.

Governor Josh Shapiro has visited the site and vowed any and all commonwealth resources needed to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Source: breitbart.com