Chocolate factory explosion kills two people, with several missing

Two people are dead and several are missing after an explosion at a chocolate factory in the US state of Pennsylvania.

The explosion happened just before 5pm at the RM Palmer Co plant in West Reading, about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

One of the factory's buildings was destroyed, as well as a neighbouring property.

Nine people are missing and several have been injured, according to West Reading Borough Police Department Chief of Police Wayne Holben.

He said there are still rescue workers searching for people at the scene.