Huge fire breaks out at Philadelphia oil refinery after a ‘series of explosions’ sent debris falling from the sky
- The fire broke out at around 4am this morning at Philadelphia Energy Solutions
- The oil refinery processes 335,000 barrels per day and employs 1,000 people
- Residents reported a series of explosions and debris falling from the sky
A huge fire has broken out at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia.
The refinery, which processes 335,000 barrels of crude oil per day, reportedly went up in flames shortly after 4am this morning and the huge blaze could be for miles.
People as far away as South Jersey said they heard a series of explosions, while those in Philadelphia told NBC their walls shook so violently that pieces of artwork fell to the floor.
A thick plume of dark smoke covered most of South Philadelphia this morning, and roads in the area are closed in order to let first responders through.
According to NBC, some South Philadelphia residents said debris had fallen from the sky into their neighborhoods and gardens after the early morning explosions.
The complex is the largest refinery on the East Coast and employs some 1,000 people.
The Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery owned by The Carlyle Group is seen at sunset in front of the Philadelphia skyline. A huge fire has broken out at the complex this morning after residents heard a series of explosions (file image)