An aging fuel pipeline reportedly exploded in northwestern North Korea two weeks ago, killing about 110 residents there.

South Korean civic group “Good Friends” claimed Tuesday that a fire broke out on June ninth at a field in Sonchon County in North Pyongan Province, killing about 110 North Koreans.

The Seoul-based Buddhist organization said that the reported disaster erupted when a crowd of people came out to collect gasoline from a chemical company's fuel pipe, which burst and spilled fuel.

The group added that the fire started by accident and was not contained until the following day.

A government official in Seoul described reports of the incident as a rumor, saying it has not yet been confirmed.