An explosion hit the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline near the village of Volchkovo in Russia’s Penza region, triggering a fire that reached nearly 70 metres high. No casualties or injuries were reported.
A gas pipeline explosion has been reported near the village of Volchkovo in Russia’s Penza region. The blast struck the Central Asia-Center trunk gas pipeline and set off a major fire, according to Kommersant, which cited information from the company Gazprom Transgaz Saratov.
Flames shot up along the pipeline after the explosion, with the fire reaching a height of roughly 70 metres. Dry grass in the surrounding area also caught fire. The gas pipeline was shut down as a precaution immediately after the incident. Officials said no deaths or injuries were recorded.
What is the Central Asia-Center pipeline
The Central Asia-Center pipeline network is a key piece of infrastructure linking gas fields in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to markets in Russia and Europe. The system stretches around 5,000 kilometres and consists of several trunk lines along with connecting branch pipes.
