A gas pipeline exploded in Smith County, Miss., shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday, killing one person and critically injuring three others.

The explosion occurred on County Road 99 south of Sylvarena in rural Smith County.

Although the cause of the explosion is not known, emergency officials said the men were working on the pipeline when the accident happened.

The three injured survivors were flown to University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment.

There was a fire but it was extinguished and the gas was shut off. No evacuations were necessary.