West Reading chocolate factory explosion: Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro orders flags be flown at half-staff

David Mekeel, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·1 min read

Mar. 27—Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the fatal explosion at a West Reading chocolate factory.

Seven people were killed in the blast at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant on South Second Avenue, which happened just before 5 p.m. Friday. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion.

Flags are to be lowered to half-staff immediately at all state facilities, buildings and grounds and remain there until Friday. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in the tribute.

Shapiro visited the disaster site Saturday, spending about an hour touring the rubble-strewn area and speaking with rescue workers digging through the debris.