Alabama Gas Pipeline Explosion Kills 1, At Least 5 Others Injured (UPDATE)

UPDATE: SHELBY COUNTY, AL — One person was killed at the scene of an explosion at a gas pipeline that led to a fire in Shelby County, Alabama, according to Colonial Pipeline. The company said the pipeline experienced an "incident" when the trackhoe a contract crew was using hit the line. Gasoline was ignited and caused a fire, which continues to burn. Additionally, five people were transported to hospitals in the Birmingham area.

"Our deepest condolences go out tonight to the family and friends of the person who was lost today, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured," the company said.

Colonial has shut down its two mainlines that traverse Shelby County.

Initially, it was reported that seven people were injured. In an update on the situation, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said he was told seven people were injured and the area three miles around the fire has been evacuated.

Patch's earlier report:

SHELBY COUNTY, AL — Authorities in Alabama responded to a fire and explosion in Shelby County on the Colonial gas pipeline that has left people injured, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

Fire department personnel and pipeline officials were working to extinguish the fire. The roadways in the area need to remain closed to all but local traffic to allow emergency personnel easy access. Crews responded to the scene off River Road and Highway 13 around 4:15 p.m. local time. As of 7:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said the situation was contained, but crews remain on the scene to monitor the area of the explosion.

There are reports that seven people have been severely burned. A UAB hospital spokesperson told AL.com that three patients were at the hospital and four more were en route. The sheriff's office said injuries have been reported but are unconfirmed at this time.

Colonial Pipeline, the company that had to close a pipeline in September due to a leak leading to gas-shortage concerns, has shut down its mainlines in the area. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said the explosion occurred one mile west of the previous incident.

Below is the company's full statement:

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.
Colonial’s top priorities are the health and safety of the work crew on site and protection of the public.

The Shelby County EMA is accepting donations of non-perishable food and water for those affected by the explosion. Donations may be taken to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, located at 6700 County Road 13 in Helena.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

Image Courtesy Cindy Honeycutt @mcscutt via Twitter, used with permission