WEST READING, Pa. — (WEST READING, Pa.) -- The cause of a deadly fire is under investigation after seven people were killed and several others injured in an explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania, police and city officials said.
The explosion occurred Friday evening at the RM Palmer Company in West Reading, located about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. It caused destruction to one building nearby and damaged another. Images of the scene showed smoke and flames billowing from the factory.
Tower Heath said earlier its hospital in West Reading initially received 10 patients from the explosion.They were identified by the Berks County Coroner's Office as Michael Breedy, 62, of Marion Township; Diana Cedeno, 44, of Reading; Domingo Cruz, 60, of Reading; Susan Halvonik, 63, of Upper Providence Township; Judith Lopez-Moran, 55, of Reading; Xiorky Nunez, 30, of Reading, and Amy Sandoe, 49, of Ephrata.
The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday said it's launching a safety investigation looking into the natural gas explosion and fire. Kaag, a former volunteer firefighter, called the incident"pretty scary," adding that it was so strong it pushed a building back 4 feet. The mayor said the factory building was"pretty leveled" and crews will"probably" be working through the weekend to clear the debris."We have lost close friends and colleagues, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all who have been impacted," the company said.
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