News

Explosion & Fire at South Philly Refinery this Morning

The explosion occurred at the same site where last week, City Council approved a new $60 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) plan.

Three separate explosions at the South Philly refinery happened and woke up residents around 4 AM. Blasts were felt as far as South Jersey and Delaware County. The three-alarm fire has subsided in the meantime, with four minor injuries to PES workers.

This is the second fire at the refinery in the past month.

According to WHYY, residents did not hear an emergency siren — because it did not appear to go off, for reasons unknown.

There were no evacuation issues and a shelter-in-place order for residents east of the refinery was lifted around 7 a.m.

Although officials say air quality testing show no immediate cause for alarm, the black smoke could be dangerous and likely indicates there’s carbon being emitted according to Drexel University professor Peter DeCarlo in a statement with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A READYPhiladelphia alert was issued to cell phone at approximately 12:30 PM:

Liquid Gas Plant Approved LAST WEEK by City Council on Site where Explosion Occurred

Just last week, Philadelphia City Council approved a deal for a $60 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on the same site.

As PennEnvironment said in a press release, “It’s also incredibly ironic that after months of debate about expanding the PES facility’s fossil fuel production for generations to come, that thirteen members of City Council voted last week to continue our reliance–and risk–on dangerous fossil fuels at the PES South Philly refinery.”

PennEnvironment urged Philadelphians to Call Mayor Kenney to reject the bill at 215-686-2181.


Featured image via NBC10’s Twitter.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

SEPTA cuts are here, & Solar For Schools grants

Catch up on the latest sustainability news - with lots of SEPTA info:  First week…

22 hours ago

What to know before you buy a hermit crab at the Jersey Shore

Hermit crabs aren’t beach souvenirs. They are exotic creatures that require lots of care and…

2 days ago

Eco Explainer: What are Green Building Certifications?

Unsure what those building plaques mean? Breaking down LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, and…

3 days ago

Philly’s new big cats, PGW rate hike reduction, watershed survey & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two feline arrivals. Rory, a…

1 week ago

Circle Compost and Rabbit Recycling unite to make it easier to go zero waste in Philly

New bundled service offers residents discounted composting and recycling options to keep waste out of…

1 week ago

Controversial SEPTA funding, heat adaptation, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: PA lawmakers propose controversial funding structure for SEPTA.…

2 weeks ago