A gas pipeline in northern Egyptian border city El Arish exploded early Wednesday and caused huge flames 20 to 30 meters high, a Xinhua reporter said.

The fire has been put under control, and no casualties have been reported.

Residents in southwest of the city said they heard a big blast at about 3:30 a.m.(0130 GMT), and felt shake in their houses.

A natural gas pipeline in the city exploded in early February, after mass protests broke out in the country. Arish is a major hub where Egypt exports its gas to Jordan and Israel.