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China Oil Pipeline Explosion Kills Dozens

At least 35 people have been confirmed dead while more than 150 are injured after an underground oil pipeline exploded in China Friday.
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Dozens of people have been confirmed dead in China after an underground oil pipeline exploded in the coastal city of Qingdao.

The Wall Street Journal reports the oil line was seen leaking early Friday morning, and an explosion occured hours later while workers were trying to fix it. So far, 35 have been confirmed dead while an estimated 166 are injured.

The death toll from Friday's accident is expected to rise as authorities sift through the rubble. (Via WPTV)

The BBC notes more than 100 firefighters had to rush to the scene to put out the fire from the pipeline, which is owned by China's largest oil refiner.

The blast was so powerful it flipped a large semi-truck onto its top. Oil from the damaged pipe has also leaked into the sea.

Al Jazeera reports more than 32,000 square miles of water have been contaminated. Making matters worse, a mix of oil and gas that went through a sewer line into the sea caused a separate fire on the water.

Officials have put up barriers to keep any more contaminated water from seeping into the sea. A spokesman with the company that owns the pipeline says it will investigate.