West Reading, Pennsylvania – One year after the tragic explosion at the R.M. Palmer Factory, the community gathered on Sunday afternoon to honor the seven lives lost in the incident. Despite ongoing federal investigations into the blast, family members, friends, R.M. Palmer employees, and local officials came together at a memorial service.
The event took place at Bethany Lutheran Church before attendees walked down to South Second Avenue, the site of the explosion. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak in building two, though the investigation is still underway.
During the memorial, seven doves were released to commemorate each person who lost their life in the tragedy. The names of the victims were read aloud, creating a moment of somber reflection for the community. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag expressed gratitude towards R.M. Palmer for allowing the community to gather closer to the site, offering wreaths in remembrance of the lives lost.
In addition to the public memorial, a private ceremony was held earlier at a memorial near the firehouse to honor the victims of the explosion. The day served as a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community in times of tragedy and loss.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, the community remains united in honoring the memories of those who were impacted by the tragic event. The gathering not only paid tribute to the lives lost but also highlighted the resilience and strength of the West Reading community in the face of adversity.