2023 Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion
| Date | March 24, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Time | 4:57 p.m. (Eastern time zone) |
| Location | West Reading, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°20′04″N 75°56′31″W / 40.33444°N 75.94194°W |
| Type | Natural gas pipe leak and explosion |
| Deaths | 7 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 10 |
On March 24, 2023, an explosion occurred at a chocolate factory operated by the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Seven people died and ten were injured, including one rescued from the rubble. At around 4:57 p.m (EST), it sent plumes of smoke into the air and shook houses. The cause of the explosion has been determined to be a natural-gas fueled explosion and fire.