Lithuanian gas explosion caused by technical error

VALAKELIAI, Lithuania (AP) — A powerful gas pipeline explosion that prompted the evacuation of a village in northern Lithuania was most likely caused by a technical malfunction, the head of the country’s natural gas transmission system said Saturday.

Friday evening’s explosion sent flames 50 metres (about 150 feet) high into the sky. There were no injuries, but 250 people were evacuated from Valakeliai to be safe. As repair work on the pipeline was underway, the fire was put out by midnight. Residents returned to their homes the following day.

“One of the (possible causes) is that the explosion was a result of the defects in the welding seam of the pipeline, but the investigation will provide all answers within several days,” said Nemunas Biknius, the head of AB Amber Grid, which operates Lithuania’s natural gas transmission system. “I don’t think it’s some kind of intentional activity; I think it’s an accident.”

The pipeline carries gas from Lithuania’s Baltic port of Klaipeda to neighboring Latvia. AB Amber Grid stated that a nearby pipeline was uninjured and continues to supply gas to the area’s consumers.

In response to the invasion by Ukraine, Lithuania cut all Russian gas imports from April 2022. Through the Klaipeda Liquid Natural Gas Terminal, which was built a decade ago, the Baltic country can import gas from many countries. The terminal satisfies all Lithuania’s natural gas needs and allows deliveries to neighboring countries.

This report was contributed by Liudas Dapkus, an Associated Press writer from Vilnius, Lithuania.