Explosion at Palmer chocolate factory kills 4

UGI Utilities spokesman Joseph Swope said in a statement to BuzzFeed News that the company had received no calls prior to the incident reporting gas odors and leaks.

“We responded to the incident based on reports of the explosion,” Swope said. “Equipment at the site was damaged in the explosion, so gas was turned off in the area to assist firefighting efforts.”

Borough Fire Commissioner Chad Moyer said on Saturday that the chances of finding the missing person still alive were “decreasing rapidly” due to “the intensity of the blast” and the passage of time. .

Frankie Gonzalez, whose sister went missing on Sunday, told local news outlet 6 ABC His family has not given up hope of finding her.

“My sister, she came to work and never came home,” Gonzalez told 6ABC. I hope you can find a pocket to hide in.”

Kaag added that local officials received a call from the White House on Saturday, offering federal assistance and resources.

In a statement, RM Palmer said he will work closely with local and national agencies to support the recovery process.

“All of us at RM Palmer are devastated by the tragic events that occurred at one of our West Reading facilities and are committed to supporting our employees and their families. We have lost a colleague and our thoughts and prayers are with all affected family and friends.”

A spokeswoman for Tower Health told BuzzFeed News that Reading Hospital has received 10 injured people, one of whom has been transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital. As of Sunday, she was the only two still receiving treatment at Reading Hospital and is in good and fair condition.