An explosion along the Colonial Pipeline outside of Helena, Alabama, on Monday killed one person and severely burned at least six others.
The injured went to hospitals in Birmingham, and Gov. Robert Bentley (R) said residents living within three miles of the site were evacuated. "We'll just hope and pray for the best," he added. Colonial Pipeline said it has shut down its main pipeline, adding that the company's "top priorities are the health and safety of the work crew on site and protection of the public." Two fires caused by the explosion also burned 31 acres of land, AL.com reports.
The explosion happened in a rural area a mile away from a recently repaired spot where thousands of gallons of gasoline leaked in September, authorities said. The leak led to gas shortages throughout the South, and it's unclear how Monday's incident could affect the availability of gasoline at the pumps. Colonial Pipeline says it transports more than 100 million gallons a day of gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel between Houston and New York City.
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