Chocolate Factory Responsible For Montco Woman’s Death, Ruling Says

HARRISBURG, PA —R.M. Palmer chocolate factory was responsible for the death of seven employees who were killed in a March 24 explosion at the West Reading factory, the U.S. Department of Labor ruled.

Seven employees died in the explosion at R.M. Palmer Company, 77 S. Second Ave., West Reading, including 63-year-old Susan H. Halvonik of Upper Providence Township, near Phoenixville.

Halvonik was described as a “selfless person who always put others above herself.” She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and an excellent baker.

Other victims identified by the Berks County coroner’s office are Xiorky D. Nunez, 30; Diana M. Cedeno, 44; Judith Lopez-Moran, 55; and Domingo Cruz, 60, all of Reading; Michael D. Breedy, 62 of Marion Township, Berks County; and Amy S. Sandoe, 49, of Ephrata, Lancaster County.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration section of the labor department conducted an investigation and cited Palmer for not removing the employees from the manufacturing plant despite the workers' concerns about gas leaks. The company was also cited for not making clear emergency exit signs.

Representatives of Palmer were not immediately available for comment.

In a July 18 statement, Palmer said the company appreciates all the work that is being done and the company is focused on doing everything to help the community recover.

Palmer has 850 employees and is well-known for its Easter candy.

The investigations

OSHA on Oct. 5 ruled that an investigation determined the company did not evacuate employees when employees complained of gas odors.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration also fined the company $44,480

“Seven workers will never return home because the R.M. Palmer Co. Did not evacuate the facility after being told of a suspected gas leak,” said Kevin T. Chambers, OSHA area director based in Harrisburg.

“Ensuring the safety of a workplace is expected of employees, and required by law. The company could have prevented his horrific tragedy by following proper procedures."

The National Transportation Board issued a report on July 18 stating that the gas leaks came from two service tees that connect to pipes.

A Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in a report that the service tees have poor performance with histories of brittle-like cracking.

On March 24, at 4:55 p.m. a natural gas-fueled explosion and fire occurred in Building 2, killing seven people and injuring 11. At the time of the explosion, 35 office staffers and 70 production employees were working.