Shortages Likely as Alabama Blast Shuts Gas Pipeline

ALABAMA – A pipeline that distributes gasoline to millions of people was shut down for the second time in two months. The incident raised the possibility of another round of gas shortages and price increases.

Colonial Pipeline said that the interruption occurred when a track hoe hit the pipeline, ignited gasoline and caused an explosion. The blast sent flames and thick black smoke spiraling over a forest in northern Alabama. One worker was killed and five were injured.

In September, a leak that spilled 252,000 to 336,000 gallons of gasoline happened near the location of Monday’s explosion. That leak brought days of dry pumps and higher gas prices in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas while repairs were made.

The cause of the leak still has not been uncovered, and the results of the recent disruption weren’t immediately clear.

Colonial Pipeline, established in Alpharetta, Georgia, manages 5,599 miles of pipelines. It carries more than 100 million gallons daily of home heating oil, gasoline, jet fuel and other hazardous liquids in 13 states and the District of Columbia, based on company filings. Officials have not revealed which type of fuel was involved in the explosion on Monday.

Afflicted by a severe drought after weeks without rain, the portion of the state where the explosion occurred has been affected by numerous wildfires in recent weeks. Hence, the crews worked hard to keep the blaze from spreading.

Alabama Forestry Commission spokeswoman Coleen Vansant stated that crews built a 75-foot-long earthen dam to suppress burning fuel. The blaze had been contained but it was not clear how long the fire may take to burn out, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said.

Vansant said two wildfires caused by the blast scorched 31 acres of land.

“We’ll just hope and pray for the best,” Gov. Robert Bentley said in a statement.

Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Hartley said houses around the blast scene were evacuated. However, it was unclear when people might be allowed to return home.

No details about condition of casualties

When the pipeline exploded about 3 p.m. Monday, eight to nine subcontractors were working on it, sheriff’s Maj. Ken Burchfield told Al.com. The circumstances of those hurt weren’t directly known.

Colonial said in a brief statement that the company’s top priorities are the safety and health of the work crew on site and protection of the public.

 

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