NTSB launches investigation on West Reading candy factory explosion

WEST READING, Pa. (CBS) -- While officials are still trying to figure out the cause of the West Reading candy factory explosion from last week, the National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation of its own.

Officials say there are no conclusions or causes determined at this early stage of an investigation and the explosion involved a pipeline that transported natural gas.

Officials said they are opening a safety investigation at the R.M. Palmer Company and called the incident a natural gas explosion and fire.

The explosion happened Friday night at the R.M. Palmer Company factory located on South Second Avenue in West Reading.

UGI Utilities, the gas company that services homes and businesses in the area, said: "UGI is cooperating with authorities in the investigation concerning the incident at RM Palmer."

The company referred all media inquiries to the NTSB.

An NTSB spokesperson said the agency investigates all modes of transportation, and "a pipeline is considered a form of transportation that carries products."

"The NTSB's investigation will focus on what, how and why the explosion occurred," a spokesman wrote in an email.

Pennsylvania State Police are in charge of figuring out the cause and origin of the explosion, but officials add the investigation includes multiple agencies.

In:
• Pennsylvania
• Berks County
• Reading Pa.
• Explosion