A medical supply building, a church and an apartment building in the immediate area have alsobeen condemnedas a result of the blast, West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag said on Twitter late Sunday.
Kaag added that local authorities are now trying to pinpoint the cause of the explosion and how they “can prevent it from happening in the future.”
“Tonight, we were able to announce that all seven presumptive missing have been found,” Kaag revealed on Twitter about the tragic death toll from the incident. “Please understand that this is still a devastating loss but we are truly grateful to bring closure to the families involved in the upcoming days.”
Police have not released the identities of the victims, Kaag added. At least10 others were injuredin the explosion, a local hospital confirmed to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Residents described a massive explosion, saying it sent shockwaves throughout the community. “It sounded like a bomb went off,” Doug Olexy told NBC10. “I mean, all of our houses shook. I’ve never heard as loud of an explosion in my life.”
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On Sunday, the chocolate maker released a statement regarding the tragedy.
“We are sincerely grateful for the extraordinary efforts of all of the first responders and for the support of our Reading community, which has been home to our business for more than 70 years,” the company added. “We will continue to coordinate closely with local and national agencies to assist in the recovery process.”
source: people.com
