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Death Toll From Chocolate Factory Explosion Climbs

Specialty Food Association

The death toll resulting from an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania has reached seven, with the last two victims found Sunday night, reports a Philadelphia-based ABC News affiliate. The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed.

"It was the loudest thing I've ever heard in my life…It literally felt like the ground fell out from underneath you. The whole house shook and my dogs froze, they couldn't move, it was scary,” said Kristen Wisniewski, an area resident.

The damage is extensive, with one building destroyed and another experiencing significant damage.

"It's pretty leveled, unfortunately, there's not too much to be able to salvage from it," said West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag. "In the front, with the church and the apartments, the explosion was so big that it moved that building four feet forward."

Many in the community have pledged to support those impacted by the disaster. Full Story

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Image: R.M. Palmer