The key facts

  • Explosion on the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline near the village of Volchkovo in the Penza Region
  • A column of fire 70 meters high; reportedly no fatalities or injuries
  • EMERCOM: the cause was a pipe rupture due to high pressure; 34 personnel and 12 units of equipment are involved

Explosion on a gas pipeline in the Penza Region

An explosion occurred on the underground Central Asia–Center gas pipeline in the Penza Region. The accident happened near the village of Volchkovo. According to reports, a column of fire 70 meters high rose at the explosion site, and after the gas supply was shut off, grass and shrubs nearby caught fire. According to available information, there are no fatalities or injuries.

Cause and work at the site

According to the Main Directorate of the EMERCOM of Russia, the pipe ruptured due to high pressure, which led to the explosion. Emergency and response services are working at the accident site: 34 personnel and 12 units of equipment have been deployed to deal with the consequences.

About the pipeline

The Central Asia–Center gas pipeline connects gas fields in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Russia and Europe.