CONTACT
Allison Kleinfelter
Senior VP of Communications, PIO
M: 717-307-5598
E: ammason1@hersheys.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2024
HERSHEY, Pa.- The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is sad to report that 10 employees died in an explosion at the main building of the Hershey West Distribution Plant, at 5 a.m., on May 15, 2024. Initial reports confirm a natural gas leak led to the fire and explosion. At least 30 additional Hershey team members were transported to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to be treated for varying degrees of injuries.
The Hershey Company’s CEO Michele Buck said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the employees and the families who have been affected by this unforeseen tragedy. We are committed to providing them with the support they need during this challenging time. The safety and well-being of our employees are paramount.”
Hershey representatives are working to contact the families of deceased and injured employees whose names are being withheld currently. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the explosion.
Updated information will be presented at a press conference scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday May 15.
For media inquiries or further information, please visit our press room.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania and is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands, enduring commitment to doing the right thing for its nearly 20,000 employees in the U.S. and around the world.
For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. The candy and snack maker’s founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education.