According to preliminary information, no one was injured in the incident near the town of Pasvalys, and there was initially no information regarding the cause of the explosion. Initial assessments therefore did not indicate sabotage.
According to media reports, there was an explosion on a gas pipeline in northern Lithuania. Fire brigade and rescue workers worked on the fire, which started on the main connecting line to the neighboring Latvia broke out, as reported by the Lithuanian radio on Friday. According to preliminary information, no one was injured in the incident near the town of Pasvalys, and there was initially no information regarding the cause of the explosion.
Pictures and videos on social networks showed a huge blaze, which the broadcaster reported was regarding 50 meters high and visible from several kilometers away. According to the Lithuanian gas network operator Amber Grid, the gas supply to the pipeline was interrupted and the supply to Latvia temporarily discontinued.
Initial assessments therefore did not indicate sabotage as the reason for the explosion. An investigation will cover all possible options, said Amber Grid CEO Nemunas Biknius. The repair work should start on Saturday and be completed within a few days. The gas supply during this time is guaranteed, it said.
After the explosion, the authorities closed a nearby highway and evacuated a village regarding a kilometer from the pipeline as a precaution. There is no immediate danger of the flames spreading to residential areas, the mayor of the Pasvalys district told Lithuanian radio. Residents in other nearby towns have been urged to close their windows and stay home.
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