It’s raining down ash in Southern California, after an Exxon Mobil oil refinery exploded. The blast nearly leveled a processing unit and left four contractors with minor injuries. The local Torrance Fire Department says gasoline is to blame. Meanwhile, the aftermath looks like a scene from Blade Runner.
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
The scene does not look peaceful, but it could have been much worse. Local news reports that the blast triggered “earthquake-like shaking” as well as a massive smoke stack flare. (That’s the Blade Runner-inspired image you see above.) It’s a miracle more people weren’t hurt. [KTLA
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
Picture: via KTLA-TV news video
Picture: AP
Picture: AP