PA Candy Factory Explosion Caught on Video

March 25, 2023
At least two people are dead, seven are missing and six have been hospitalized after flames erupted from the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading Friday evening.

Editor's note: Find the latest on the story here.

A massive explosion rocked the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading Friday evening.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management officials told ABC 6 that two people are dead, seven are missing, and six have been hospitalized.

Berks County fire crews were on the scene at the four-alarm fire.

The fire was reported just before 5 p.m. at the company, which is known for its chocolate Easter Bunnies and other candies.

An official at Tower Health told WGAL 8, they immediately mobilized to receive and care for casualties.

Six TowerDIRECT ambulances, including their Mass Casualty Incident vehicle, were dispatched.

Witnesses reported hearing an explosion coming from the candy factory, then saw flames shortly after.

The explosion is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, but officials are still investigating.