HELENA, Ala.—For the second time in two months, an accident has shut down a pipeline supplying gasoline to millions of people across the Southeast, raising the specter of another round of gas shortages and price increases.
Meanwhile, the governor announced a state of emergency in case of a shortage.
The disruption occurred when a dirt-moving track hoe struck the pipeline, ignited gasoline and caused an explosion Monday, killing one worker and injuring five others, Colonial Pipeline said. Flames and thick black smoke continued to soar on Tuesday, and firefighters built an earthen berm to contain the burning fuel.
A September leak that spilled 252,000 to 336,000 gallons of gasoline occurred not far from where the pipeline exploded. That leak led to days of dry pumps and higher gas prices in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas while repairs were made.
