An explosion struck the Central Asia–Center underground gas pipeline near the village of Volchkovo in Russia’s Penza province, sending a column of fire 70 metres into the air, with no casualties reported.
After the gas supply was shut off, grass in the surrounding area caught fire, according to the report.
Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said the blast was caused by a pipe rupture due to high pressure.
Emergency and rapid-response services are working at the scene. Thirty-four personnel and 12 pieces of equipment have been deployed to deal with the aftermath.
The Central Asia–Center pipeline links gas fields in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Russia and Europe.
