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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
-
‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
