The fire was reported just before 5 p.m. local time on Friday (21:00 GMT), and destroyed part of the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Berks County, The New York Times said citing local authorities.

WPVI-TV reported citing West Reading police that two people were dead and seven more were missing following the accident. At least six people were hospitalized with injuries.

According to WPVI-TV, the explosion at the chocolate factory was likely due to a gas leak. An investigation is underway.

(With UNI inputs)