Emergency responders are searching for survivors after a powerful explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, Pa., on Friday afternoon.
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the explosion at R.M. Palmer, a company known for its seasonal candies and chocolate bunnies that has been in operation since 1948. Since Friday afternoon, emergency responders have been combing through the rubble of the leveled building in search of survivors, including at least three people who remain unaccounted for, officials said during a news conference Sunday morning.
“It’s a somber sight at the fire company right now because all of the gear is gone and no one is there,” added Kaag, who is also a firefighter. “Everyone is taking their gear home and sleeping for a few hours and then getting it back on and coming right back.” Given the “violence of the explosion,” the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes as time goes on, West Reading Fire Chief Chad Moyer said Saturday. However, that day brought a glimmer of hope when rescuers pulled a woman from the rubble. The sole person to have been found alive so far, the woman was located by a rescue dog after calling for help, officials said.
Borough officials on Sunday said they would not yet release the victims’ personal information “out of privacy and respect for the families.”
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