The deadly gas explosion at the Colonial Pipeline Company could cause gas prices throughout the Southeast to rise, according to AAA analysts.
Fire officials in Helena, Ala. said the Monday afternoon explosion occurred at a Colonial Pipeline facility west of the site of a leak that caused gas shortages across the South in September of this year.
"The explosion will at least temporarily put a halt to the pump-price dip we've experienced over the past 30 days," said Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
More details on the explosion and the company's response, here.
Photos | Colonial Pipeline explosion
After the explosion, the Alpharetta-based company shut down both mainlines that move gasoline. It it still unclear when that shut down will affect the gasoline supply.
The company also shut down those lines during the leak in September. That series of events lead to gas shortages and Governor Deal to issue and executive order to allow truckers carrying gasoline to travel longer periods of time without rest.
During the leak, 7,370 barrels of gasoline spilled from the line, according to Colonial Pipeline. The company said the gasoline was contained in "a man-made mine water retention pond adjacent to the release site."
Remediation efforts are the site are underway.
11Alive will continue to investigate the Colonial Pipeline spill, explosion and what lead to both.
