The devastating explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, that claimed the lives of at least seven people, has shocked the nation.
According to reports from The New York Times, the explosion, which occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday, flattened a two-story factory building and damaged another. After arriving on the scene on Friday and holding a press conference, Mayor Samantha Kaag, a former volunteer firefighter, declared that “the explosion was so big that it moved a building four feet forward.”
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. However, Frankie Gonzalez, 40, a factory worker at the R.M. Palmer Company, told news reporters that other employees had told him prior to the explosion that they had been warning one another that they could smell natural gas and had reported it to plant managers. He mentioned that his son and a nephew had both reported smelling gas to their supervisors while working at the factory within the past year.
Seven people have now died as a result of the explosion last week, according to the most recent report from CBS News. CBS Philadelphia reported that 10 people with incident-related injuries were hospitalized, six of whom had already been released as of Sunday night.
As emergency personnel continued to search for missing people, Fire Chief Chad Moyer said on Sunday that “due to the violence of the explosion and the amount of time that has passed, the chance of finding survivors is decreasing rapidly.”
In a statement posted to its website, R.M. Palmer recognized the incident and stated that the company is “devastated by the tragic events that occurred Friday evening.”
Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorney Jason Matzus Expresses Condolences and Offers Legal Representation For Victims of Workplace Accidents and Other Catastrophic Events
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, Pittsburgh personal injury attorney Jason Matzus and his legal team at Matzus Law, LLC, who have been closely following the case, express their deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Attorney Jason Matzus has a wealth of experience representing individuals who have suffered injuries or losses due to workplace accidents. He understands the devastating impact that these types of incidents can have on workers and their families.
Jason Matzus was one of the lead attorneys in the case against US Steel Clairton Coke Works following a catastrophic explosion several years ago. As the largest coke plant in North America, the explosion was a significant event. Matzus played a critical role in securing a substantial settlement for the victims and their families, bringing some measure of closure to those affected.
Jason Matzus stands ready to provide legal representation to those who have suffered injury or loss as a result of a tragic event. He is committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC represent clients injured in Butler, Cranberry Township, Greensburg, Washington, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 206-5300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 310 Grant St., Suite 1500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.