Pipeline explosion in western Colombia kills 11

Pipeline explosion in western Colombia kills 11

2011-12-24 05:56:46 GMT+7 (ICT)

BOGOTA (BNO NEWS) -- At least eleven people were killed on early Friday morning when a pipeline exploded in western Colombia, local media reported. Dozens more were injured.

The blast happened just before 5 a.m. local time in the city of Dosquebradas, the second largest city and a municipality in the Risaralda Department. Authorities confirmed at least eleven people were killed while 80 others were wounded, Caracol Radio reported.

A fire which broke out after the blast severely damaged dozens of houses. Police commander Colonel Gonzalo Londoño said the number of houses affected in the area may exceed 100, although no exact numbers were immediately available.

The mayor of Dosquebradas, Luz Ensueño Betancur, confirmed that at least 10 houses completely collapsed and warned that the number of people affected could rise. She added that 24,000 people are still without water service after a nearby stream was affected by spilled oil.

Officials suspect an attempt to steal fuel from the pipeline was the cause of the explosion.

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