CHICAGO (AFP) — An explosion and fire on a pipeline carrying crude oil from Canada to the United States killed two workers and cut supplies, the pipeline's operator said.
Enbridge Inc., which owns and operates a network of pipelines in Canada and the United States, said late Wednesday that the accident in the northern US state of Minnesota forced the company to shut down four pipelines.
The explosion took place Wednesday about five kilometers (three miles) southeast of Enbridge's Clearbrook, Minnesota terminal, the company said.
Enbridge said it was working with federal and state authorities on an investigation.
Enbridge's crude oil pipeline system serves major refineries in Ontario province as well as the Great Lakes region of the United States, delivering about 2.2 million barrels per day.
The company said it was "deeply saddened to report that we have received confirmation of the death of two Enbridge employees in an explosion and fire on an Enbridge Energy Partners' crude oil pipeline."
"On behalf of Enbridge, I would like express our deepest sympathy and concern for all those affected by this incident," Richard Bird, an executive vice president, said in a statement.
"Enbridge staff members are in contact with the families of the victims to offer assistance."
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