An explosion occurred on the Central Asia–Center main gas pipeline in the Penza region, Kommersant reports, citing Gazprom Transgaz Saratov.
The incident took place near the village of Volchkovo. After the blast, intense flaring began, with a column of fire reaching about 70 meters in height. No casualties have been reported.
The pipeline was promptly shut off. Grass caught fire at the site.
The pipeline is owned by Gazprom Transgaz Saratov LLC. The section is part of a major transport system linking gas fields in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Russia and European consumers. The route is about 5,000 kilometers long.
