Rescuers speak out about crucial hours spent during West Reading fatal chocolate factory explosion
Last Friday, rescuers had to use their skills to search through piles of dangerous, smoldering debris.
WEST READING, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Rescuers with Pennsylvania Task Force One spoke out about the crucial hours they spent searching for survivors in the rubble of the fatal chocolate factory explosion in West Reading.
Task force member Ken Pagurek says their K9 partners train for situations like the explosion every weekend.
READ: 7 victims killed in West Reading chocolate factory explosion identified
Last Friday, the dogs had to use those skills to search through piles of dangerous, smoldering debris.
"Called for an 'all quiet' on the incident, and we heard her screaming," recalled Pagurek, when crews found a survivor. "They were able to work towards her voice and pull her out. She was in a significant void space that was actually filling with water."
That woman spent eight hours in the rubble and is now recovering at the hospital.
Overall, seven people lost their lives in the explosion.
On Friday, March 31, West Reading officials plan to hold a vigil to honor those impacted by the devastating tragedy.
