Pipeline EXPLOSION in Alabama

Infrastructure attacks? Will MSM call it an accident?https://t.co/SFfRv40msK

— Julian Wan 🇺🇸 (@juliangwan) October 31, 2016

Story Highlights

A gas pipeline exploded Monday in Shelby County, Alabama, sending fire and smoke high into the air.

Reports say as many as seven people were seriously injured by the blast.

The area is in a severe drought, and the explosion started several additional fires in the area.

It isn't yet known if the pipeline is owned by the same company that had a recent gas leak nearby that led to a regionwide gas shortage.

Multiple injuries were reported Monday after a large gas pipeline exploded in Shelby County, Alabama.

The blast occurred late Monday afternoon in the town of Helena, just five miles west of a recent Colonial Pipeline gasoline leak, according to AL.com. At least seven people were severely burned by the explosion, the report added, several of which were flown to a nearby hospital.

The explosion occurred in an area that remains under a severe drought, and the blast has started additional fires, WIAT.com reported. The blazes have burned at least 10 acres, AL.com also reported.

"The fire will not be out any time soon," Shelby County Sheriff Maj. Ken Burchfield told AL.com.

Colonial Pipeline issued a statement via its website following the explosion, saying, "Colonial has shut down its mainlines in Shelby County, Alabama, after reports of a fire on its right of way. Colonial personnel and emergency crews are responding."

(MORE: Colonial Pipeline Restarted After Leak)