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Blocks away from South Philly refinery explosion, residents saw what looked ‘almost like a nuclear disaster’

For some, the three-alarm fire and shelter-in-place messages from the city felt like the nightmare they’ve feared for years. The oil refinery is the largest on the East Coast, and is essentially wedged into the backyards of several residential neighborhoods.

Matthew Terranova, 42, slept through the first explosion, but was woken up by his roommate in which he heard a second explosion. He looked outside his home and saw everything on fire. "Getting out of here has a been a plan for awhile," Terranova said.
Matthew Terranova, 42, slept through the first explosion, but was woken up by his roommate in which he heard a second explosion. He looked outside his home and saw everything on fire. "Getting out of here has a been a plan for awhile," Terranova said.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer