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The
blast sent flames, smoke, dust and debris skyward, video of the
moment captured by WTXF television showed.
"There are still rescue efforts under way at the scene," West
Reading Police Chief Wayne Holden said in a brief statement he
read to reporters.
Images on WGAL television showed debris piled in the street with
at least one fire still burning hours later.
The tragedy struck the R.M. Palmer Company, which says on its
website it has been making candy since 1948, specializing in
seasonal items for Easter, Halloween and Valentine's Day. It
employs 850 people.
The explosion destroyed Palmer's building number two and damaged
neighboring building one, Holden said.
The cause remained under investigation, although officials ruled
out a continuing danger to the area, Holden said.
Besides the two dead and nine missing, several more people were
injured, Holden said.
West Reading lies about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of
Philadelphia.
(Reporting by Daniel Trotta;Editing by Michael Perry)
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