A photo from the Alabaster Fire Department shows smoke and flames rising after an explosion on the Colonial Pipeline in Alabama injured several workers. (Facebook)
Several workers were injured Monday in an explosion on the Colonial Pipeline in Shelby County, Alabama, officials say. The blast on the major pipeline sent flames and smoke shooting into the air.
At least seven people were severely burned in the explosion, Al.com reports.
#LiveOn3340: @BrianPia3340 reports on Colonial Pipeline company history after today’s explosion in Shelby County t.co/6JjMNC6sce
Firefighters from several departments in the Birmingham area responded to the fire, which had spread across about 10 acres of forest, the news website reports. The explosion occurred about 3 p.m. as eight or nine subcontractors worked on the pipeline, which has been shut down in the area as a result of the blast.
Incredible video of the Colonial Pipeline leak from Ryan Burtis. Our thoughts & prayers to all
Lieutenant Russell Bedsole told the Wall Street Journal the workers were doing maintenance on the pipeline, which moves gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from Texas to the Atlantic Coast, when the explosion occurred.
“This appears to be an accident,” Bedsole told the newspaper. “There is no suspicion of terrorist activity.”
HERE WE GO AGAIN: #ColonialPipeline shuts its main lines after fire in Shelby County, Alabama #OOTT #oil #gasoline
The incident is the second accident on the Colonial Pipeline in recent weeks. A leak last month caused a shortage of gasoline, resulting in higher gas prices in the Southeast, according to the Wall Street Journal. A new section of pipe was installed to bypass the leak.
Several videos, which you can watch below, show the aftermath of the explosion:
Many bystanders and media outlets also posted photos from the scene:
DEVELOPING: Another dramatic view on the ground of the Colonial pipeline explosion in #shelbycounty #Alabama. 7 confirmed injured.
Alabama Forestry says 3 separate brush fires burning due to gas line explosion in Shelby County. 8-9 people possibly injured.
BREAKING: A look at gas explosion in Shelby County from South Shades Crest, from viewer Susan Walker.
View of the Colonial Pipeline smoke from Calera. @WVTM13
UPDATE – Colonial Pipeline officials say they’re shutting down the mainlines in Shelby County, Alabama | Coverage continues NOW on Channel 2
Smoke from a Colonial Pipeline facility explosion from 4 miles away.
The Colonial Pipeline Co. issued a statement on its website after the explosion.
“Colonial has shut down its mainlines in Shelby County, Ala., after reports of a fire on its right of way. Colonial personnel and emergency crews are responding,” the Georgia-based company said. “Colonial’s top priorities are the health and safety of the work crew on site and protection of the public.”
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley tweeted about the blast:
My Office is closely monitoring the explosion in Helena, receiving updates from State & local officials. Pray for workers, rescue personnel.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said the situation was “contained” by 7:30 p.m.
“Emergency personnel will remain on scene monitoring the area of the explosion. Please avoid the area to continue to allow emergency crews easy access to the site of the explosion,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “We will provide updates as they are available. We wish to thank all the first responders who so quickly responded and put themselves in harms way for the citizens they serve.”
In an earlier message, the sheriff’s office said, “The roadways in the area need to remain closed to all but local traffic to allow emergency personnel easy access. Motorists should find alternate routes until further notice.”
