BANGKOK - An explosion shook a refinery in downtown Bangkok Wednesday morning, but there is no report on injuries so far.

The ensuing blaze sent a thick column of smoke into the air that could be seen across the capital city. However, a government official said there was no need to evacuate people near the area.

The Bangchak Petrolem Plc, owner of the refinery, said in text messages that the fire that broke out at about 7 a.m. local time had been put under control and the whole unit had been shut down for investigation and for the sake of safety.

Initial investigation indicates that the incident was caused by oil pipeline leaking.