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Explosion Kills 1, Hurts 2 In Western Colorado

DURANGO, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Authorities say one person is dead and two others have been seriously injured in an explosion at a gas compression station in western Colorado.

The Durango Herald reports the explosion occurred Monday morning at a facility owned by BP.

A BP spokeswoman says the company's immediate concern is for the people involved.

U.S. 160 was closed because of the explosion but reopened about an hour later.

Explosion Map
(credit: CBS)

STATEMENT FROM BP

At approximately 8:15 am MT there was an explosion at the BP Pinion Compression Station in BP's Durango, Colorado, natural gas operations near Bayfield. A work crew was conducting pipeline maintenance at the time of the incident.

The site has been safely shut down and secured, and everyone has been accounted for.

We are working closely with the local emergency crews that responded to the incident.

At this time, we cannot confirm the extent of injuries, however, we know of two contractors who are receiving medical treatment. One fatality of a contractor has also been confirmed.

BP is investigating the incident and will provide updates as we learn more.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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