Welding Torch Blamed for Philadelphia Refinery Explosion

Dec. 11, 2007
Firefighters rushed to the Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia after an explosion Monday just before 12:45 p.m.

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Firefighters rushed to the Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia after an explosion Monday just before 12:45 p.m.

A fire marshal determined a welding torch was to blame for the blast.

Workers set up a hazmat scene at the refinery, located at 3000 Penrose Ave. The fire was in a wastewater unit oil recovery separator. Officials said the fire was under control a little after 2 p.m.

NBC Chopper 10 captured images of rescuers putting one person into an ambulance. Three people injured as a result of the explosion. One man was take to the hospital at the University of Pennsylvania and two others were treated at the Sun Infirmary, according to a press release from the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Chopper 10 Images

Firefighters sprayed foam in a large area, and only small flames burned.

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