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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."

There has been no confirmation regarding the cause of the explosion, including the possibility of a gas leak.

UGI Utilities spokesperson Joseph Swope said on Saturday that teams were dispatched after the explosion caused damage that led to the release of gas, fueling the ensuing four-alarm fire. He added, "We did not receive any calls about a gas leak or gas odor before the incident, but we are cooperating with the investigation, which will include checking all our facilities in the area."

Relatives and friends of factory employees are anxious but hopeful. Frankie Gonzalez spoke to Action News about his sister, who remains missing after the blast. "My sister went to work and never returned home. She's one of the few people still unaccounted for. We're hoping she found a safe spot to hide, and we're not giving up hope."

Gonzalez's sister has a daughter, son, and husband waiting for her at home. The family continues to pray as rescue efforts persist through the night.

Chief of Police Wayne Holben announced that one person was discovered alive and rescued from the debris overnight on Saturday. He added, "The discovery of life overnight gives us hope that others may still be found as rescue workers continue their search for any possible survivors."

A woman who worked on the second floor of the factory was discovered alive in the basement between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. She was found after rescue workers shouted, "This is the fire department, is anyone there?" Having spent approximately eight hours under the debris, she was taken to the hospital, but her current condition and identity remain undisclosed.