Lion will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. Online training support is available via support@lion.com.
Search

CSB Releases Fact Update on PES Refinery Explosion

Posted on 10/28/2019 by Roger Marks

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a factual update on the major incident at the PES Refinery in Philadelphia in the early morning hours of June 21, 2019.

CSB also released a preliminary animation of the incident.



Beginning at 3:20 a.m. on June 21, an unintentional release of hydrocarbon vapors led to three explosions at the PES refinery. The refinery has been described as the largest facility of its kind on the eastern seaboard. The facility produced about 335,000 barrels (14 million gallons) of crude oil per day.

Four employees were treated for minor injuries on site. A shelter-in-place order was put in place for nearby residents, and parts of Interstate 76 were closed while more than 100 firefighters battled the fire.

A passing motorist caught the third and biggest explosion on a cell phone camera and posted it to Twitter:
 


Read more about the June 21 incident at the PES Refinery.

Online 49 CFR & RCRA Training 

Need to renew your hazmat shipping or hazardous waste certification? Complete your required training when and where you want with these two easy-to-use refresher courses:

Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification
Keep your knowledge of DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) up to date and satisfy the three-year hazmat training mandate at 49 CFR 172.704. 

RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Refresher 
This streamlined course provides annually required RCRA training on critical hazardous waste management, storage, and disposal requirements for generators. Satisfy EPA's annual training mandate at 40 CFR 262.17.

Both of these online courses are updated continuously to cover the latest US DOT and US EPA regulations that impact your operations. Enroll now or check out the complete Course Catalog here. 

Tags: accidents, chemical, hazmat incident, PES refinery, safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.