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

Climate action updates, EPA deregulation, new gardens, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Office of Sustainability releases 2025 Climate Action Update. OSS…

4 days ago

A bird-a-thon without birdwatching? For blind birders, it’s all about sound

From Malvern to Massachusetts, the first blind birding event showed accessibility in action. Chester County…

5 days ago

How Fishtown neighbors organized for a pedestrian safety win

More than 500 residents advocated for change, leading to 40% longer crosswalk times on Girard…

6 days ago

Protecting community gardens, PA’s green energy package & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: City Council votes to protect one of the city’s…

2 weeks ago

Mayor Parker’s $2 Billion H.O.M.E. plan to tackle housing & climate change

Here’s how the city plans to retrofit the aging housing stock and support existing repair…

2 weeks ago

Plant-based as resistance: Veggie Mijas reconnects BIPOC communities to the land

From storytelling workshops to seed swaps, they’re cultivating more than just vegetables in Philly and…

2 weeks ago