One worker has been killed and six more were injured after a gasoline pipeline exploded yesterday afternoon near Helena, Alabama.
The explosion occurred near the site of a leak found last month that spilled at least 300,000 gallons of gasoline. Pipeline operator Colonial says a contract crew working on the pipeline “experienced an incident” when the trackhoe they were using hit the line.
Due to the drought conditions in the area, the explosion has sparked two wildfires that have burned over 30 acres of land so far. Homes in the area were evacuated yesterday afternoon, and law enforcement officials say it’s unclear when people around the blast area will be able to return home.
Colonial has shut down its mainlines in response to the explosion. Last month’s gasoline leak and shutdown prompted gasoline shortages and skyrocketing prices across the Southeast.
The effects of this disruption aren’t immediately clear.