WEST READING, Pa. – The National Transportation Safety Board has recently disclosed findings from its investigation into a tragic natural gas explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory, resulting in the deaths of seven employees and injuries to eleven others last year.
According to the NTSB reports, approximately 105 employees were present in Buildings 1 and 2 at the time of the explosion on March 24 at 4:55 p.m. Some employees reported detecting a natural gas odor, while others were unaware. Shockingly, many did not receive an official evacuation order despite the potential danger.
Eyewitness accounts revealed a harrowing scene where employees, upon sensing the gas leak, urged their colleagues to evacuate. The investigation indicated that the explosion stemmed from a natural gas leak in a service tee dating back to 1982, which was not addressed until 2021. The NTSB also highlighted critical deficiencies in Palmer’s emergency preparedness plan regarding natural gas emergencies.
In response to the NTSB’s disclosure, R.M. Palmer expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and emphasized their commitment to safety and transparency. The company acknowledged the heroic actions of employees who risked their lives to respond to the gas odor, underscoring the need for preventive measures to avert similar tragedies.
UGI, the utility company involved in the incident, reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities it serves. The company urged the public to act swiftly by evacuating and contacting emergency services upon detecting any gas odor to prevent future disasters.
The NTSB’s ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances leading to the explosion, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, transparency, and adherence to safety protocols in industrial settings. As West Reading mourns the loss suffered due to this incident, efforts to prevent such incidents must be intensified to safeguard the lives of workers and residents in the future.