Family of Worker Killed in Chocolate Factory Explosion Files Wrongful-Death Suit Against R.M. Palmer Co.

On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed against R.M. Palmer Co., a 75-year-old, family-owned candy maker in Pennsylvania, claiming the company is responsible for a deadly explosion that killed seven workers and injured several others.

The lawsuit, filed by the family of Judith “Judy” Lopez-Moran, a 55-year-old mother of three, alleges that workers at the chocolate factory smelled gas the day of the explosion and notified Palmer, but the company “did nothing” to prevent the blast.

The suit claims that the gas leak and subsequent explosion were “foreseeable, predictable, and preventable” had Palmer taken action.

The explosion occurred on March 24 in West Reading and is the first wrongful-death suit filed against the company.

“The family of Judy Lopez-Moran is seeking justice for the loss of their beloved mother,” said the family’s attorney, who is representing them in the case. “No family should have to suffer such a tragedy due to the negligence of a company.”

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages. The family’s attorney said they are “hopeful that the court will hold R.M. Palmer Co. accountable for their actions and provide the family with the justice they deserve.”