Colonial pipeline gas explosion
© Via Twitter@bshelburne
A gas line explosion in Shelby County has left at least seven people severely burned and 10 acres of land are on fire. Nearby residents have been evacuated without incident, but two pipeline contractors are still missing.

An explosion on a Colonial gas pipeline occurred as "eight or nine" subcontractors were trying to flush one of the lines on Monday, the Birmingham News reported. So far, seven have been reported to be injured and two workers are possibly missing. The fire's intense heat has hindered the search.

The mainlines have been shut down in Shelby, according to a press release from Colonial Pipelines. While flames from the blaze have reached 50 feet high, no damage has been reported in the nearby town of Helena. The only homes in the vicinity have been evacuated with no injuries.


This is only the most recent incident for the Colonial pipeline. In September, a leak in the pipeline resulted in an estimated 336,000 gallons of gasoline to be lost, the Birmingham News reported. The explosion occurred roughly five miles west from the leak.

This is only the most recent incident for the Colonial pipeline. In September, a leak in the pipeline resulted in an estimated 336,000 gallons of gasoline to be lost, the Birmingham News reported. The explosion occurred roughly five miles west from the leak.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) released a statement saying that his office was "closely monitoring the explosion."