(Ecofin Agency) - A pipeline explosion that occurred yesterday November 13 killed 6 and injured 16 others in Egypt’s Northern Province of Bahira. The sad news was announced by Abdelmoneim Hafez, head of the national oil pipelines authority, who stressed that the fire was caused by an oil leak which was the work of thieves siphoning off oil.

According to official report, the pipeline exploded precisely near Itay Al-Baroud, a village halfway between Cairo and Alexandria. The facility transports fuel from the Mediterranean city of Alexandria to Cairo.

Immediately after the accident, the injured were taken to a nearby public hospital, but no further information is given regarding their health status. Let’s note that the leak is already fixed but the explosion affected 12 vehicles. The local police arrested a suspect and an investigation opened into the matter.