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Seven workers have now been confirmed dead in the Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion, according to rescue personnel as well as officials from the RM Palmer Company. The devastating explosion occurred Friday evening, March 24, 2023, at the West Reading Pennsylvania chocolate factory, a facility that had been in operation since the early 1960s.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been officially determined. With that said, it is believed that the catastrophic accident was the result of some type of gas or gas pipeline explosion.
The Doan Law Firm team has been monitoring the situation in West Reading following RM Palmer chocolate factory explosion. If you have any questions about the situation on the ground or what happens following a disaster of this nature, you can reach our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000.
Rescue and now recovery workers have worked around the clock since the explosion in the rubble of what once was the chocolate factory. The remains of seven workers have been recovered at the scene. In addition, 10 workers were taken to area hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, four individuals evidently remain hospitalized. Their conditions are not known at this time.
The names of the victims of the Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion have not yet been released to the public. Officials indicate that they are working with all deliberate speed to identify victims and notify impacted family members.
“Crews are continuing their diligent effort in sifting through the debris in order to locate any additional individuals. (We) are fully committed to this task … (we) will do everything in our power to ensure that we bring closure to all those involved. I want to assure you all that we will not rest until every single person affected by this tragedy has been accounted for.”
There was one positive moment in the aftermath of the PM Palmer Company explosion. On Saturday, a woman was pulled from the wreckage of the building. She is among the people taken to an area hospital. It is not known at this time what her status is beyond that she survived the horrendous blast and fire.
The Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion was so powerful that the facility was completely destroyed. In addition, three nearby buildings have been condemned as of this time. One of these
structures included a church and apartments. According to officials, the blast was so powerful that this particular structure was blown four feet off of its own foundation.
At the beginning of the week the RM Palmer Chocolate Factory issued a statement about the deadly explosion at its West Reading facility. The company announced:
Everyone at RM Palmer is devastated by the tragic events at one of our West Reading facilities and we are focused on supporting our employees and their families. We have lost close friends and colleagues, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all who have been impacted.
The spokesperson for the company went on to add that it is facing issues connecting with surviving employees as well as families of workers who were injured or lost their lives in the blast and fire. According to the spokesperson, as a result of the catastrophic event, the company’s phone system, email, and other communication portals are not functional. The company advises that it is working with first responders, recovery organizations, and others to connect with impacted families and employees. The spokesperson for RM Palmer assures us that the company will make direct contact as soon as technically possible.
The Doan Law Firm Pennsylvania explosion accident lawyer team is here for you at this truly challenging, difficult time. You can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a compassionate, experienced, dedicated Pennsylvania explosion accident attorney any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. The Doan Law Firm never charges an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.