Philly Refinery Explosion, Fire Probe Could Take Years: Officials

PHILADELPHIA — Officials with Philadelphia, state, and federal agencies provided an update on the explosion and fire at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery that ocucrred Friday, June 21.

According to officials, the investigation into the incident could last months or even years.

Representatives from the Philadelphia Fire Department, the Philadelphia Department of Emergency Management, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the ATF, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the mayor's officer participated in a press conference Tuesday.

Philadelphia's Managing Director Brian Abernathy said a meeting to organize all parties involve din the investigation is being held July 1 and a public meeting on the investigation is slated for late July.

Abernathy said the incident, which was felt across Philadelphia as well as in South Jersey and Delaware County, has raised questions about PES such as safety for workers and the community, environmental risks, PES response to such incidents, and more.

Philadelphia Fire Department Commissioner Adam Thiel said the incident has been complex and dynamic from the outset.

He went on to say despite the fire being out, the situation is not over and a strong PFD presence remains at the site.

Thiel, along with others at the press conference, said considerable time is needed to determine the cause and origin of the incident

While the scene at PES is still active, there is no threat to the community, officials said.

Health officials said air quality monitoring is ongoing.

Missing from the recent press briefings on the incident are PES representatives.

Abernathy said at some point, PES will need to have a public conversation about the incident.

He went on to say PES will be part of the group formed to investigate the incident.