June 15, 2016
Joel DeGrands/via Twitter
Twitter user Joel DeGrands captured this photo of the explosion on Wednesday afternoon from 15th and Locust streets in Center City.
A loud explosion rocked South Philadelphia about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.
Emergency crews are responding to a boiler explosion at the Veolia Energy Plant, located near 26th and Christian Streets, according to the city's Office of Emergency Management. All employees were evacuated from the facility.
The incident was placed under control by the Philadelphia Fire Department shortly after 5 p.m.
One Veolia employee suffered minor injuries, but refused treatment at the scene, according to OEM. A civilian was treated for injuries sustained by broken glass.
All gas readings were negative and there was no need to evacuate the surrounding area, OEM tweeted. The public was urged to stay clear of the area so police and fire personnel could respond.
Veolia North America released a statement confirming an eruption at its Schuylkill Station steam facility.
"The incident was contained to the inside of the facility and there was no fire," the statement said. "There was one minor injury treated at the scene and all employees have been accounted for and are OK. Thermal energy services are uninterrupted at this time and we are shifting the steam load to our satellite facility as a backup.
"This plant provides thermal energy to approximately 300 clients in Philadelphia. The company will conduct a full investigation to determine what happened."
Office of Emergency Management Director Samantha Phillips said her office is working with Veolia to assess the potential impact.
Boiler explosion at @veolia Schuylkill Plant. @PhilaOEM is working with Veolia to assess potential impact. Follow @PhilaOEM for updates.
— Samantha Phillips (@SamPhillipsPHL) June 15, 2016
Police earlier indicated the blast was at the PECO plant in that area, but PECO spokesman Ben Armstrong said the explosion did not involve any PECO equipment.
Media reports said firefighters and HAZMAT crews were on scene.
The loud explosion heard in S.Philly appears to be an industrial incident at a PECO station at 26/Christian.No rpt. of injuries at this time
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) June 15, 2016
A thunderous boom was heard across the city, according to social media posts.
Explosion near 24th and South pic.twitter.com/p8MfYMmxXG
— Kim urban (@kim_urban) June 15, 2016
Loud rumble / explosion in Philadelphia, and smoke cloud appeared briefly. Shook the ground. pic.twitter.com/JYliMMGPDH
— Jason Weitzel (@ThxJason) June 15, 2016
Something just made a big explosion in South Philly. pic.twitter.com/v8FeTY58KT
— Joel DeGrands (@joeldeg) June 15, 2016
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
