Newsman: More bodies were found Sunday after authorities searched the site of a massive explosion in Pennsylvania chocolate factory. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag confirmed Sunday night that all seven bodies of the presumptive missing victims had been recovered from the site.
“It’s pretty leveled,” Mayor Samantha Kaag said of the explosion site. “The building in the front, with the church and the apartments, the explosion was so big that it moved that building four feet forward.”
West Reading Borough Chief of Police Wayne Holben said the explosion took place just before 5 p.m. Friday at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant in West Reading. Officials are investigating what caused the explosion at the plant about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
The identities of victims will not be released until authorities can confirm that family members have been notified, Kaag said in a statement Sunday night.
“Please understand that this is still a devastating loss, but we are truly grateful to bring closure to the families involved in the upcoming days,” Kaag said.
Reading Hospital said it received 10 patients and transferred two to other facilities.Two people were admitted in fair condition and five were being treated and would be released, Tower Health spokeswoman Jessica Bezler told The Associated Press .One patient was transferred to another facility, but Bezler provided no further details.
Initially crews had been searching for six missing people but late Saturday morning, Holden confirmed one survivor had been found in the rubble, the Reading Eagle reported.
“I want to assure you all that we will not rest until every single person affected by this tragedy has been accounted for. We are fully committed to this task, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that we bring closure to all those involved,” West Reading Borough Chief of Police Wayne Holben said during a Sunday news conference.
Rescue workers were continuing a thorough search using specialized equipment and techniques. Officials said dogs and imaging equipment were being used to look for signs of life during the careful removal of debris.
