The explosion that shut down the South Philly refinery
Listen 12:47
Flames and smoke emerge from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex in Philadelphia, Friday, June 21, 2019. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)
Listen to The Why wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn
Philadelphia Energy Solutions says its closing after an explosion and fire that destroyed one of its units last month. But it was not the first fire in the oil refinery’s 150-year history and the second in only two weeks. StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Susan Phillips explains why this latest incident was the tipping point for the oldest and largest refinery on the East Coast.
Related Content
South Philly refinery damaged by fire will close, city says; union calls layoffs a ‘disgrace’
Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney said he learned from Philadelphia Energy Solutions officials that its South Philly refinery will shut down next month.
5 months ago
Should I stay? In wake of refinery explosion, neighbors reconsider living so close to a hazard
Neighbors say that, even before the fire, the refinery’s foul smells and smog made the air impossible to breathe on hot summer days.
5 months ago
South Philly refinery’s long history of fires, explosions, deaths and injuries
The refinery complex has killed over a dozen and injured at least 100 city residents, including firemen, oilmen and even a Philadelphia mayor.
6 months ago
Brought to you by The Why
The Why
There’s more to every story if you take the time to tell it.
Subscribe for free
Apple Podcasts Stitcher
Owner of Del. landfill agrees to drop lawsuit against New Castle County
Delaware Recyclable Products, Inc. has reached a settlement with New Castle County, agreeing to cap its Minquadale landfill at 140 feet.
3 days ago
The East Coast’s largest refinery is closing; many say a greener future is possible for the site
WHYY’s PlanPhilly spoke with seven Philadelphians, including politicos, neighbors and activists, about their vision for the site’s future. Here’s what they told us.
5 months ago
City to convene safety working group after massive South Philly refinery fire
Mayor Jim Kenney has convened a working group to examine safety and air quality protocols at the South Philadelphia refinery rocked by a massive explosion on Friday.
6 months ago