Explosion at R M Palmer chocolate factory in Pennsylvania leaves 2 dead, others missing and injured

Explosion at R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in Pennsylvania
Two people are dead and nine are missing after an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy: WTXF)
Explosion at R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in Pennsylvania leaves 2 dead, others missing and injured
The blast at the chocolate factory killed two people, injured eight and left nine missing as of Friday night
An explosion at a historic chocolate factory in southeastern Pennsylvania left two people dead, several missing and eight injured Friday afternoon.

West Reading Borough Police Department Chief Wayne Holben confirmed two fatalities and nine missing after an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory in West Reading shortly before 5 p.m.

Tower Health spokeswoman Jessica Bezler told The Associated Press in an email that eight others were taken to Reading Hospital with injuries Friday evening. Bezler said two people were admitted in fair condition and five others were treated and released.

She added that one victim was transported to another facility. Limited details are available on that person's condition.