Investigation launched: Explosion at gas pipeline in Lithuania

As of: 01/13/2023 9:43 p.m

There has been an explosion in a gas pipeline in Lithuania. The gas flow was stopped and the operator immediately initiated an investigation. So far there is no evidence of sabotage. The supply is assured.

There has been an explosion in a gas pipeline in northern Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian gas network operator AB Amber Grid, a pipeline in the Pasvalys area that runs parallel to another was affected. The other pipeline remained undamaged. Lithuanian broadcaster LRT reported that firefighters and rescue workers were working on the fire that broke out on the main line connecting to neighboring Latvia.

The gas flow through the damaged pipeline was immediately stopped. The cause of the explosion is unclear, AB Amber Grid said. An investigation into the circumstances of the explosion was initiated immediately. Initial assessments did not indicate sabotage. The repair work should start on Saturday and be completed within a few days.

The gas supply during this time is guaranteed, it said. The Lithuanian government was informed about what was happening.

Gas pipeline explodes in Lithuania

Tagesschau 8:00 p.m., 13.1.2023

evacuation of a village ordered

Flames could still be seen several kilometers away after the explosion. The broadcaster LRT reported that the evacuation of the nearby village of Valakeliai, which has around 250 inhabitants, had been ordered as a precautionary measure. No injuries or deaths were reported.

The BNS news agency reported that the pipeline would deliver natural gas to Latvia from the port of Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea in Lithuania. Latvian Energy Minister Raimonds Cudars said there were no problems with supplies in Latvia so far. According to BNS, Cudars was told that the cause of the explosion was believed to be a technical incident.

Details of a gas pipeline explosion in Lithuania

Sofie Donges, ARD Stockholm, 13.1.2023 8:49 p.m

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