Explosion hits Lithuania-Latvia gas pipeline

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Jan 2023 21:30
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The gas pipeline operator says that an investigation into the explosion has been launched.

Gas pipeline connecting Lithuania to Latvia on fire after the explosion (Gintautas Geguzinskas, Mayor at Pasvalys municipality)

A gas pipeline in Lithuania connected to Latvia was damaged due to an explosion that occurred on Friday in the northern part of the country.

According to the pipeline's operator Amber Grid, the explosion took place at around 5:00 pm (1900 GMT)

"According to initial data, no people were injured," the company's statement said.

"The explosion took place away from residential buildings."

Despite the explosion occurring on a site that operates two parallel pipelines, only one had its supply interrupted, while the other is still in operation supplying locals, the statement continued.

Nemunas Biknius, the CEO of Amber Grid, stated that an investigation was launched.

It's noteworthy that Nord Stream AG reported on September 26, three threads of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 offshore gas pipelines sustained unprecedented damage due to explosions targeting them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed then the situation on the West.

"It’s clear to everyone who benefits from this. And the one who benefits from this is the one who did it," Putin stressed.

European countries that launched an investigation into the Nord Stream explosion refused to allow Russia to take part in it, despite Moscow offering its assistance repeatedly.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented then that some countries are showing unwillingness to cooperate and are preventing Russia from participating in the investigations.

He added that that the truth behind who sabotaged Nord Stream will surprise many in the EU countries if exposed, hinting that it was an inside job by some Western countries, mainly the US and the UK.

The very significant explosion later disappeared from reports by Western media, while EU investigations seem to have toned down despite the magnitude and strategic consequences of the event.