Massive Fire, Reports of Explosions at S. Philly Refinery

A massive fire has erupted at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in south Philadelphia.

Homes as far away as South Jersey were rocked by a series of explosions as the blaze burned. Some residents in Phialdelphia said the explosions knocked art off their walls.

Roads in the area of the fire, including parts of Interstate 76 and Pennrose Avenue, have been closed to allow first responders space to work and protect drivers. The Platt Bridge is closed; a line of fire trucks is on it.

The massive fire and a plume of smoke could be seen for miles. Some neighbors in South Philadelphia said debris rained from the sky into their neighborhoods after the explosions.

A plume of thick smoke blanketed most of Center City and South Philadelphia. 

The complex employs about 1,000 people. Many people still call it the Sunoco refinery, though it is now owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions, a partnership that includes Sunoco.

NBC10 is live at the scene. Stay with us for complete coverage.

Photo Credit: NBC10

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