One Killed In Gas Pipeline Explosion In Southern Iran

At least one person was killed and three others injured in an Iranian gas pipeline explosion early on August 6 near the town of Gonaveh in the southern province of Bushehr, Iranian news agencies reported.

The governor of Gonaveh, Ali Paknejad, told IRNA that "rescue teams have been dispatched to the area and the cause of the explosion is under investigation."

"One was killed and three others were injured," he said. "The fire is being contained and there is no danger of another blast."

A local official told state TV that it was not an act of sabotage and "nearby villages have been evacuated as a safety measure."

A third official told Fars that a crisis management headquarters was set up in Gonaveh.

"The pipeline has been disconnected from the system ...The fire will be fully...under control as soon as the gas inside the pipeline is evacuated," he said.

Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS