Colonial Pipeline: 1 dead, 5 injured in Shelby County pipeline explosion
One worker was killed and five others were injured Monday afternoon when a large gasoline pipeline exploded in Shelby County, according to a release from Colonial Pipeline.
The company shared the following update at 10:45 p.m.:
"Shortly after 3:00 pm EDT today, a contract crew working on Colonial’s gasoline pipeline (Line 1) in Shelby Co., Alabama, experienced an incident when the trackhoe it was using hit the line. Gasoline was ignited and caused a fire, which continues to burn.
"Five individuals were transported to Birmingham-area hospitals for treatment, and there was one fatality recorded at the scene. 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 Alabama Forestry Commission and Shelby County emergency responders, supplemented by mutual aid from surrounding counties, responded to the incident site immediately, and we wish to extend our thanks and appreciation for their continued service and efforts.
"After the incident occurred, Colonial shut down its two mainlines, which traverse Shelby County. Those lines remain down at this hour.
"The incident location is several miles from the site of a Sept. 9 spill in Shelby County. Additional updates will be posted on https://helena.colonialresponse.com."
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office initially reported eight to nine workers were injured in the blast.
A UAB Hospital spokesperson said shortly after 5 p.m. that four victims had already arrived and two more were en route. Details about their conditions weren't immediately made available.
Officials at Shelby Baptist Medical Center say they're treating one person who suffered "non-critical" injuries in the explosion, which city and county leaders are saying occurred on the same Colonial Pipeline that leaked more than 300,000 gallons of gas in the area in September.
L.E.Bell Construction Co., a Heflin-based pipeline maintenance company, confirmed to ABC 33/40 that it had a crew working on the pipeline prior to the explosion.
The blast site is approximately one mile west of where the leak occurred, according to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, whose office is "closely monitoring" the situation.
Colonial Pipeline said in a statement that it has shut down its gas lines:
"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 sheriff's office said the fire continues to burn and it's unclear when it may be under control. Authorities did say no residents or homes were in danger as of 5 p.m.
At 7:46 p.m., the sheriff's office said the "situation is contained and emergency personnel will remain on scene monitoring the area of the explosion." A temporary flight restriction is in effect, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency announced on Twitter just before 8 p.m. Only "relief aircraft" will be allowed in the airspace above the blast site.
The Alabama Forestry Commission says the explosion sparked three wildfires.
Look for updates here and on ABC 33/40 News. Go to http://abc3340.com/live to stream our newscasts.
