News Digest

Massive fire to rage for hours after explosion in Texas oil pipeline

An explosion at an oil pipeline has triggered a massive fire in Texas. The blast took place early in the morning, close to a main road a few hundred yards from the town of Encinal. The incident, at a Lewis Energy Group pipeline facility, appeared to have caused no injuries and the town did not have to be evacuated as was first feared. However, children at the town’s elementary school were unable to get to classes.

Local fire and police are monitoring the situation and all precautions are being taken to protect the safety of residents of the Encinal community.

Tony Travino, Lewis Energy lawyer

The blaze is expected to last for several hours. Fire crews say there is little point in trying to stop the flames and are likely to let it burn out. Tony Travino, general counsel for Lewis Energy, said: “We are currently investigating the cause of the incident. Lewis Energy Group is undertaking appropriate efforts to extinguish the fire.”