A federal agency that regulates pipelines says contractors were working on repairs stemming from a September leak when gasoline ignited and spread fire to the Colonial pipeline in Alabama.
Colonial Pipeline executive Gerald Beck says a nine-man crew was using a track hoe to excavate the pipeline as part of preparation work so permanent repairs of the September leak could be made. Beck says the track hoe — a large piece of heavy equipment — struck the pipeline yesterday, causing the explosion.
Colonial spokesman Bill Barry says one worker was killed, one was treated for injuries at the scene and four others remain hospitalized. He had no updates on their conditions or the severity of their injuries.
Three other workers on the crew escaped injury.