1 of 8
A massive explosion rocked the Exxon Mobil oil and gas facility on Staten Island, on the outskirts of New York City

2 of 8
A huge plume of thick black smoke rose more than two kilometres high

3 of 8
First reports said there was an explosion on board a barge unloading propane gas at the plant

4 of 8
Exxon Mobil said one person was injured and two others missing

5 of 8
The blaze was so fierce that firefighters were unable to get close

6 of 8
Spilled fuel "put the water on fire"

7 of 8
Black plumes from the fire were clearly visible in the centre of New York

8 of 8
Even though local officials ruled out any terrorist attack, initially it was an uncomfortable reminder of 11 September