A 30-inch oil pipeline has exploded in central Mexico state, sending plumes of flames and smoke hundreds of feet into the air and injuring at least six people, according to authorities.

State-run Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, says the explosion and fire in a pipeline in a farm field in Tonanitla was likely caused by illegal tapping.

The explosion on Sunday morning occurred in a rural area and did not threaten homes or communities, according to civil protection authorities in Mexico state.

There were no evacuations. Media reports said police and others responding to the fire were among those injured.

The supply of crude oil through the pipeline was immediately suspended, Pemex said.