An explosion at a chocolate factory in the US state of Pennsylvania killed at least five people and left six more missing. On Saturday, emergency services said search workers were continuing to search the wreckage for survivors.
The explosion occurred Friday at the RM Palmer Company plant in West Reading, a city about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Administration (PEMA) said.
PEMA stated that an investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the explosion, and that the initial report of the incident contained a reference to a gas leak.
Seven more people were taken to local hospitals with injuries, he said. PEMA did not provide details on search and rescue operations.
Images on social media of the explosion’s aftermath showed a huge pile of debris and intense flames emitting large plumes of thick black smoke in a city center surrounded by other buildings.
R.M. Palmer was founded in 1948. According to its website, it employs 850 people and produces 500 unique chocolate and candy products.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
