Colonial Pipeline: 1 killed in Shelby County gas line explosion

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By WIAT Staff – SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — UPDATE 11:10 PM: Colonial Pipeline says one crew member died on the scene after a gasoline line exploded today off Highway 13.  Colonial says five victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment for injuries.

CBS42 learned earlier that four crew members were life-flighted to UAB for treatment of injuries from the explosion. According to Colonial, the contracted crew was using a trackhoe when it hit the line, igniting the gasoline, killing one crew member and injuring five others.

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Colonial released a statement, which reads in part: "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.

Both Colonial pipelines in the area remain shut down. The fire at the main site continues to burn until the fuel runs out. Officials don't have an estimate of when that might be, but tell us the fire is too hot and dangerous to fight. It is contained by a seven to eight foot dirt dam.

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Seven victims of a petroleum gas line explosion have been transported to UAB hospital. A massive plume of smoke filled the skyline after a Colonial Pipeline exploded near Helena out by Highway 13.

Four victims were airlifted to UAB, and other victims with less critical injuries were taken to Shelby Baptist by ambulance.