UPDATED: 2:35 p.m.
GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Investigators are looking into the cause of an explosion and fire at an asphalt tank in South Jersey. Residents who live near the Blueknight Energy Partners terminal, on Water Street in Gloucester City, heard a boom around 1 a.m.
"I got my family and got out of there. Grabbed my kids, my sister and my dogs and we left."
This is what the asphalt tank looks like now. Camden County Fire Marshal will be looking into the cause of the explosion and fire. pic.twitter.com/LAwjphSsqh
— Tim Jimenez (@TimJRadio)
June 30, 2020 The fire was confined to a single tank. It took about four hours to bring it under control. When the smoke cleared, the container was visibly charred, and panes were torn or warped from the intense heat.
No firefighters or civilians were hurt, according to fire officials.
Residents were allowed back in their homes after officials said it was safe and fumes were not a concern.
Blueknight Energy Partners added in a statement: "There was no product released as the tank retained its integrity. We are currently cleaning up the area. There does appear to be some damage to the roof of the tank, per a drone inspection. We are working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Coast Guard. The cause of the incident is under investigation."
