Rescue workers in the central Colombian town of Dosquebradas said late Friday 13 people have been confirmed dead and 17 were in critical condition after the explosion of an oil pipeline caused a fireball and a blaze.
The last confirmed dead was a six-year old girl found dead in the rubble of destroyed homes by rescue workers.
According to newspaper El Espectador, 17 people were in critical condition, while over 80 others were less seriously injured.
Several authorities have said the early-morning explosion was probably caused by an oil thief causing a spark when drilling a hole in the pipe to steal fuel.
However, Mining and Energy Minister Mauricio cardenas told newspaper El Tiempo that heavy rains and subsequent landslides caused a rupture in the pipeline.
State-owned oil company Ecopetrol, responsible for the pipeline, said in a statement it would assume all medical costs of the victims.
President Juan Manuel Santos confirmed victims would be compensated and added that the authorities would assume full responsibility for the rebuilding of the approximately 40 homes that were destroyed by the explosion and the fire.
