BREAKING NEWS - MASSIVE EXPLOSION AND FIRE - NJ [Actually, Staten Island NY: AM]

ME | 2/21/03 | SELF

[LonePalm]

I just turned and looked out my office window and saw a column of black smoke rising towards Union Beach/Perth Amboy NJ.

I then felt the force of an explosion rattle my window.

[michigander]

[xzins]

It's an awesome forum, isn't it?

[cgk]

FNC's first reports were also that it was an oil refinery. As are many of the news stories still being posted here. We have to go by what we're given, unfortunately.

[Petronski]

It was an accidental spark.

Wow, Quincy, your investigation is complete already!

[tubebender]

My wife just said she found a use for the duct tape and plastic sheeting...:-)

[RummyChick]

Well someone just said in essence that there is always a worry about diversions. He didn't use that word but that is what he meant. This will take alot of resources and they wouldn't have enough to cover another incident.

[TonyInOhio]

I'm near the Watchung Mountains.

The Martians ravaged that area in 1938, according to Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast. Coincidence? :-)

Tony

[mikegi]

I don't know how they'll even begin to fight this thing. I guess you start on the land and try to isolate it on the water where it can't do anymore damage. Looks like the fuel is flowing out further on the water. The heat must be incredible.

[steveegg]

Got it. The fire appears to have split between the land and the sea.

[TWRepublican]

OK now, who will be the first liberal idiot dumba$$ to blame Bush?

[condi2008]

Wasnt there talk of the three Iraqi ships with WMD floating around?
Yes... in the Indian Ocean last I heard.

I hate to be paranoid, but if this were a "dirty" terrorist explosion, the smoke would be the biggest danger, wouldn't it?

[Alberta's Child]

The first person to post a picture of Tourist Guy in front of that fire should be banished forever.

[cgk]

Wow, where do you live? We're at 1.79, 1.89, and 1.99 if not higher here in So. CA.

[Monty22]

Lock n load people. It's getting close to cleaning house time.

[steveegg]

My wife just said she found a use for the duct tape and plastic sheeting...:-)

Do I really want to know this one?

[mhking]

I hate to be paranoid, but if this were a "dirty" terrorist explosion, the smoke would be the biggest danger, wouldn't it?

It's not just you - I'm scared of the same thing. This would fit the M.O. and the model. We're less than an hour in. Keep your heads up everyone.

[Alberta's Child]

Sounds like someone may be confusing the Goethals Bridge and/or the Outerbridge Crossing with the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. The VNB is on the opposite side of Staten Island from where this fire is located.

[P.O.E.]

Attention all jokesters:

There are millions of school kids, working people, family members etc. in the area.

[mhking]

The first person to post a picture of Tourist Guy in front of that fire should be banished forever.

Yeah, but you know it's coming...[sigh]

[Dog]

Fox has video of the fire it looks like 2 fires..