Our hearts and prayers are with the RM #Palmer family and the #WestReading #Pennsylvania borough.

#BreakingNews - There was an #explosion around 5:00pm on Friday at the #Palmer #ChocolateFactory in #WestReading #Pennsylvania. The moment of the #blast was captured on a nearby CCTV weather cam.

As of midday Saturday (March 25th), the number of confirmed dead has been upped to 3, with 4 people still unaccounted for. The factory employs approx. 850 people.

Authorities are using #SearchAndRescue dogs & specialized equipment to look for more survivors.

Building No.2 is completely destroyed. Some of the nearby factory buildings were severely damaged, with another entire building reportedly pushed a few feet forward.

No significant residential damage has been reported or confirmed. Unconfirmed reports indicate the possible smell of natural gas not long before the explosion, but authorities are not commenting on that at this time.

The R.M. Palmer plant produces primarily #chocolate #candies for holidays such as Easter, Halloween, & Christmas.

#BREAKING #News

https://youtu.be/LVXeuvUsXB4

Palmer Chocolate Factory explosion & fire #WestReading/#ReadingPA #BerksCounty #Pennsylvania - death toll has risen

5 dead
7 hospitalized
6 missing/unaccounted

#WestReadingPA

#WESTREADING, #Pennsylvania
Berks County fire crews are on the scene at the RM Palmer Company. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion coming from the candy factory.

There are reports that people are trapped. One person has been rescued from the rubble so far.

All set up at Symbiote Collectibles for the Book Stroll in West Reading! Authors are here in town from 5-7 pm. Stop by and say hello! (You should SEE the amazing toys here! I think this place may give Santa a run for his money.)

#lryanstorms #symbiotecollectibles #westreading