(CNN) At least two people are dead and five are unaccounted for after an explosion Friday at a candy factory in eastern Pennsylvania, a CNN affiliate reported. WFMZ reported SaturdayCiting local authorities.
An explosion occurred at RM Palmer Company West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holpen said at a press conference Friday night that the facility was in West Reading just before 5 p.m. He said the cause of the explosion was not known and was under investigation.
“There is no danger to the surrounding area at this time,” Holben continued. “However, the borough urges residents to avoid the area and follow the directions of law enforcement and emergency personnel.”
At a news conference Saturday, Holben corrected earlier information released by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, which said five people had died. One person was rescued alive, he said.
A spokesman for Reading Hospital told CNN on Saturday that at least eight people were hospitalized following the explosion. Of them, one patient has been transferred, two are in good condition and five have been discharged.
The hospital dispatched six ambulances — including their mass casualty vehicle — to the scene following the blast.
West Reading Mayor Samantha Cocke said the factory building was level and the blast caused significant damage.
“There’s not much to recover from that,” Cock said.
RM Palmer Company is a confectionery company that started in 1948 and has been in its current location since 1959. According to the company’s website. The company produces seasonal chocolate novelties such as chocolate bunnies for Easter. CNN has reached out to the company for comment.
West Reading Mayor Samantha Cocke said the explosion had “shook our community”. In a Facebook post on Saturday.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims,” he said.
“I hope the rest of the victims are safe and that the community can continue to offer support to those affected by this tragedy in the coming days.”
Cocke also “asked for the public’s continued cooperation in avoiding the area as emergency crews continue the difficult work of recovery and damage assessment that will continue throughout the weekend.”
“Please keep them in your prayers as they work tirelessly through the night,” he added.
West Reading is about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
CNN has reached out to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for more details on the victims.
