American chocolate factory explodes – two dead

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Several people have been killed in an explosion at the RM Palmer Company chocolate factory in Pennsylvania. At this point, two deaths can be confirmed, West Reading police chief Wayne Holben said Saturday morning. One victim was found alive under the rubble overnight. Other people would still be missing. There were conflicting reports about the number of deaths. The state’s disaster response spoke of at least five fatalities. The explosion took place in West Reading on Friday evening. The cause is still unclear.

TV footage after the blast showed a fire in the rubble as firefighters tried to douse the flames. According to his website, RM Palmer has been making seasonal chocolate products since 1948, including Easter bunnies and heart-shaped candies for Valentine’s Day.

Buildings were moved one metre

“Unfortunately, the factory has been virtually razed to the ground. There is not much left to save from the building,” West Reading mayor Samantha Kaag said during a televised press conference. “In the front area, near the church and the apartments, the explosion was so strong that the building moved a meter.” says Kaag.

The building was built in the sixties. According to police chief Holben, there is no longer any danger to local residents. However, you should avoid the area if possible. More than 4,000 people live in West Reading – the town is located almost a hundred kilometers from the metropolis of Philadelphia. (SDA/AFP/jmh)

Source: Blick