Massive explosion as Ukraine oil pipeline blows up in huge fireball with column of thick black smoke seen for miles

MASSIVE explosions have rocked western Ukraine after an oil pipeline blew up, injuring three people. It’s not yet known what caused the horror inferno that turned the sky black and could be seen for miles. Horror scenes show the sky turning black AFPRescuers are currently working to put out the fire caused by the eruption[/caption] Facebook/Ukraine's State Emergency ServiceThere are reportedly 13 rescuers and four units of rescue service equipment at the scene.[/caption] Local reports say that the explosion injured several nearby residents and damaged houses in the village of Strymba. Terrifying footage shows the sudden fireball eruption, followed by billowing clouds of thick black rushing into the air. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said: “At 5pm near the village of Strymba, Nadvirna district, an oil pipeline ruptured”. It said that the rupture led to an oil spill spanning an area of 100 square metres. “Rescuers are working at the scene,” the emergency services added. According to the group, nine people were left injured following the blast, of which five were hospitalised, including two children. The outlets on the oil pipeline are reportedly blocked as 13 emergency service providers and four units of rescue service equipment remain at the scene. In video footage, the head of the Nadvirnya Territorial Community Zinovy ​​Andriyovych said the bed of the Strymba River is covered with traces of oil that leaked from the oil pipeline, but it is unclear why the fire broke out. Emergency services are currently at the scene of the spill, treating the local stream with oil absorbents. He also said: “It is not clear what happened. Literally, a few minutes later, I arrived at the place and saw fires from the spilling of large volumes of the river, which went down the reservoir. “I know that the petroleum product does not burn just like that, but I do not want to be silent. The most important thing is to save human lives”. The press service of Ukrnafta – the oil company involved in the incident – said: “So far, the situation is under control. The area of ​​depressurization of the pipeline has been localized. “The transportation of oil products through the pipeline has been stopped.” According to local reports, a few hours before the fire, “some kind of repair work was apparently being carried out on the pipeline”. AFPIt said that the rupture led to an oil spill spanning an area of 100 square metres[/caption] Facebook/Ukraine's State Emergency ServiceUkraine’s State Emergency Service reported that rescuers are currently treating a local stream with oil absorbents[/caption] Facebook/Ukraine's State Emergency ServiceLocal reports stated the explosion injured several nearby residents and damaged houses in the village of Strymba[/caption] More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online.Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.