UPDATE 2 - China: Fire breaks out at natural gas pipeline, kills 2

Pipeline in remote central area reported to have been closed while rescue efforts continue

UPDATES THROUGHOUT

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING (AA) – Two people have died and three others were injured after a natural gas pipeline caught fire Wednesday morning in a remote region of central China.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the incident occurred in Enshi Prefecture in Hubei province around 6.20 a.m. (2220GMT Tuesday) when a pipeline transporting gas from the country's southwest to the east burst and caught fire.

Two villagers were reported to have died at the scene, and the three injured sent to hospital with serious injuries.

The pipeline has been closed and rescue efforts continue.

Torrential rain is reported to have triggered a landslide in the region, making it difficult for rescuers to access the site.

Kaynak: