Flames shoot into the sky from a gas line explosion in western Shelby County, Alabama, U.S., October 31, 2016. REUTERS/Marvin Gentry
(Reuters) Colonial’s gasoline, distillate lines shut after explosion, fire in Alabama
Colonial Pipeline Co [COLPI.UL] shut down both of its main gasoline and distillates pipelines on Monday following an explosion and fire in Shelby County, Alabama, the second time the pipeline has been closed in two months.
A segment of the pipeline was undergoing maintenance on Monday afternoon when it exploded, resulting in several workers suffering serious injuries, according to the Shelby County sheriff’s office.
The explosion occurred near Shelby County Highway 13 and River Road, the sheriff’s office said, adding the number of those injured is believed to be less than ten. AL.com, citing local public radio, reported at least seven were severely burned.
The fire was still burning as of 7:45 p.m EDT (2345 GMT).
The explosion occurred at least a mile from any residential area though a three-mile area around the site has been evacuated, according to local media.
Colonial said company personnel and emergency crews were responding to the incident. The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) said they were aware of the incident and also had personnel en route to the site.
“The explosion is Colonial Pipeline & occurred approx one mile west of the previous incident,” Alabama Governor Robert Bentley’s office said on Twitter.
This is a mighty inconvenient time for a man-made fuel shortage throughout Ol’ Dixie.
I’m caused to wonder at the possibility that someone might have decided to sponsor such a “happy accident” as we glide into Election Day?
Or maybe I’m wearing too much tinfoil?
These days, it’s hard to tell…