UPDATE 3 - 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 LEAD, OWNERS OF PIPELINE

By Mahmut Atanur

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

The pipeline -- owned by China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) -- was carrying natural gas from the southwestern province of Sichuan to eastern China.

It was closed as rescue efforts continued.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the incident occurred in Enshi Prefecture in Hubei province around 6.20 a.m. (2220GMT Tuesday).

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

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

Kaynak: