“At approximately 4:57 p.m. a large explosion occurred at the R.M Palmer Company in West Reading. The explosion resulted in the destruction of building No. 2 located at 55 S 2nd Avenue and damaging neighboring Palmer building No. 1 located at 77 S 2nd Avenue,” Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben told reporters during a Friday night press conference.

“Several other people were injured in the explosion at the chocolate factory but the exact number is unknown,” Holben noted.

Holben added that at least nine people were still missing.

Samantha Kaag, the Mayor of West Reading, said the building where the explosion occurred was leveled and the force of the explosion moved the building four feet forward.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. (ILKHA)