WEST READING, Pa. – The National Transportation Safety Board has released crucial documents concerning the investigation into the tragic natural gas explosion that took place at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory last year in West Reading. This incident resulted in the loss of seven employees and left 11 others injured. The released documents, now accessible on the NTSB website, include interviews with employees, the CEO, UGI, and first responders.
According to the NTSB, at the time of the explosion on March 24 at 4:55 p.m., there were approximately 105 employees in Buildings 1 and 2. Reports indicate that some employees smelled natural gas, while others did not, and there was a lack of an official evacuation order. Witnesses described the chaos of the moment as everyone frantically tried to escape the impending danger.
The investigation revealed that the explosion stemmed from a natural gas leak in a service tee installed back in 1982. While UGI had retired the service line connected to the tee in 2021, the tee itself remained linked to the natural gas system. It was also discovered that Palmer’s emergency preparedness plan did not account for natural gas emergencies.
In response to the documents’ release, R.M. Palmer expressed profound sorrow and gratitude for those who lost their lives in the aftermath of the incident. They emphasized their commitment to cooperation with investigation authorities and their dedication to transparency in uncovering the root cause of the tragedy to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
UGI, on the other hand, reiterated its cooperation with the ongoing NTSB investigation and highlighted their priority of ensuring the safety and reliability of energy services in the communities they serve. They also emphasized the importance of immediate action in case of gas leaks, urging the public to evacuate and contact emergency services promptly if they detect a gas odor.
The aftermath of the explosion has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the West Reading community, with efforts focused on supporting the victims and their families. As investigations continue and safety measures are reinforced, the hope is to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring again. The resilience and unity shown in the face of tragedy serve as a testament to the strength of the community in overcoming adversity.