Just before 5 p.m. on Friday, a sudden and ferocious boom resounded from a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pa. — a powerful blast that sent shrapnel and smoke into the air, damaging nearby buildings, displacing residents and leaving seven people dead in the small borough some 49 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
Ednews reports citing Washingtonpost, on Sunday evening, officials announced that all victims were believed to be accounted for after two bodies were found at approximately 6:15 p.m. by rescuers who had been desperately combing through the rubble of the leveled building.
“This is still a devastating loss,” said West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag. “But we are truly grateful to be able to account for all presumptive missing and bring closure to families involved in the upcoming days.”
Officials said 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. Three surrounding buildings have been condemned “as a precaution,” Kaag said.
