Authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to four after a catastrophic explosion occurred at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
At a news conference on Sunday morning, the police also reported that three individuals remain unaccounted for.
The explosion took place at the R.M. Palmer Company around 5 p.m. on Friday.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a massive blast from the candy factory, followed by the sight of flames.
Kristen Wisniewski, who resides three blocks away from the renowned local chocolate manufacturer, said, “It was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. The ground felt like it collapsed beneath us. The entire house shook, and my dogs were petrified, unable to move. It was terrifying.”
The destruction is widespread, with the RM Palmer Building #2 being obliterated and neighboring Palmer Building #1 sustaining damage.
Mayor Samantha Kaag stated, “It’s pretty leveled, and sadly, there isn’t much left to salvage. The blast was so powerful that it shifted the front building with the church and apartments four feet forward.”
