Explosion at Pennsylvania chocolate factory was caused by gas leak, government investigation reveals

By Daniella Silva -

The explosion at a Pennsylvania chocolate factory in March that killed seven people was caused by natural gas, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Tuesday.

The

at the RM Palmer Chocolate Company destroyed a building and caused "significant structural damage" to an adjacent building and other structures, according to the NTSB.

The results were released after the agency said its investigators examined the blast site, collected evidence and interviewed workers and other witnesses present at the time of the blast.

Debris is removed from the chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, on March 25, 2023.AP

The NTSB continues to investigate the explosion and will focus on identifying the source of the explosion, he said, as well as review evidence and industry practices and federal regulations.

In interviews after the explosion, Palmer employees said they

," the agency said.

Workers at a nearby building that was heavily damaged "remember a rotten egg odor around the same time," the NTSB said.

Natural gas service to the two Palmer buildings was provided by UGI Utilities

"via two natural lines adjacent to the accident site," the report specified.

The gas company said "there was no work in the area and there was no increase in gas pressure prior to the explosion," according to the NTSB.

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In its statement, the company added that it remains "focused on providing accurate, timely, and complete information to the NTSB to help it analyze and understand the events of that day."

The RM Palmer company did not respond to a request for comment on the preliminary report.

In an earlier statement, the company said it remained "devastated by the tragedy and the loss of our friends and colleagues."

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RM Palmer indicated in that statement that because he was asked to assist in the federal investigation, "per federal regulations,

, including any allegations that may be in litigation in connection with the incident."

"The safety of our employees and their health have always been, and will continue to be, of the utmost importance," he stressed.

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Seven people died and 11 were injured when the explosion took place in West Reading, in eastern Pennsylvania, on March 24.

Authorities identified the deceased

as Michael D. Breedy, 62;

Diana M. Cedeno, 44;

Domingo Cruz, 60;

Susan H Halvonik, 63;

Judith López-Móran, 55;

Xiorky D. Nunez, 30, and Amy S. Sandoe, 49.

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Relatives and loved ones of the victims have been demanding answers about the explosion.

Cedeno was "a sweetie" who became her siblings' caretaker after their mother died, her brother Frankie Gonzalez previously told NBC News.

Cedeno was also devoted to her children, she added.

She and her husband worked hard to take care of her family.

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González claimed he wanted the RM Palmer company accountable, after reports that workers at the factory complained about the smell of gas earlier in the day.

González affirmed that he is waiting for answers about what caused the lethal explosion.

"There is no money that will bring my sister back," she said.

"I lost my heart. My sister is not collateral damage."