Crime & Safety

See Massive Fire, Explosion That Rocked Philly Friday Morning

Did you feel the blast?

Flames and smoke emerge from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex in Philadelphia, Friday, June 21, 2019.
Flames and smoke emerge from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex in Philadelphia, Friday, June 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PHILADELPHIA — A massive explosion and fire rocked South Philadelphia early Friday morning. The blast was felt as far away as New Jersey. Residents in Delaware County also reported feeling it.

According to Philadelphia Fire officials, the fire and explosion occurred at about 4 a.m. at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery on the 3100 block of Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.

A vat of butane at the facility caught fire, which led to several explosions along pipelines in the facility.

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The fire is contained, officials said.

No firefighters were hurt, but one refinery employee was experiencing chest pains, according to the fire department.

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The city's Health Department said there is no immediate danger in the surrounding community after testing air quality in the area.

Read more about the incident here.

Many took to social media to share photos and video of the incident, which we've included below.

If you have videos or photos of the incident, send them and include your name to Max.Bennett@patch.com to have them featured here.

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