Massive fire breaks out at Philadelphia oil refinery

“This is going to be a long operation,” said the deputy fire commissioner. “It’s confined ... but it is not under control.”

By Lindsey Bever

June 21, 2019 at 11:25 a.m. EDT

Fire broke out at a Philadelphia refinery after several massive explosions on June 21. There were no immediate reports of injuries, authorities said. (Video: The Washington Post)

A massive fire erupted at a crude oil refinery in Philadelphia on Friday morning, triggering several explosions and sending flames high into the sky.

Authorities said the fire broke out about 4 a.m. at Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex, which claims to be the largest oil refining complex on the East Coast. Nearby residents said the eruption was so fierce that it shook picture frames from the walls and could be felt miles away in South Jersey, according to local news reports.