On 13 January 2023, an explosion occurred on the Lithuania–Latvia Interconnection in Pasvalio Vienkiemiai, Pasvalys District Municipality.[2][3]
Area around Pasvalys District | |
| Date | 13 January 2023 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 16:57 (EET, UTC+2) |
| Location | Joniškėlis Street, Pasvalio Vienkiemiai, Pasvalys District Municipality, Panevėžys County, Lithuania |
| Coordinates | 56°3′21.6″N 24°22′15.6″E / 56.056000°N 24.371000°E |
| Type | Gas explosion |
| Motive | Accidental (presumed)[1] |
| Participants | Under investigation |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 0 |
At 16:57, Police department of Pasvalys District received the call about the fire in Pasvalio Vienkiemiai village.[4] Flames reached up to 50 m in height and could be seen at a distance of at least 17 km. As a precaution the entire village of Valakėliai was evacuated.[2] As a result Lithuania stopped natural gas transit to Latvia, while consumers in northern Lithuania were supplied by alternative pipelines.[5] 18km of pipeline was disconnected from the main grid to allow gas to burn out. Firefighters extinguished the flames around 21:00 local time.[1] By midnight Lithuania restored gas transit between Lithuania and Latvia at reduced capacity.[5]
Cause
According to the Amber Grid Chief Executive, they do not have evidence that the explosion was an attack, however said that it will be investigated.[6]
Evacuations
Nearby village of Valakėliai was instructed to evacuate completely. Temporary rescue centre was established in Joniškėlis Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Gymnasium building.[2]
Locals from villages of Paberžiai and Balsiai were advised to evacuate and temporary shelter in Pasvalys Lėvens primary school.[2]
Transport
All traffic via KK150 national route in Pasvalys District was closed and traffic diverted via rural gravel roads.[2]
References
- ^ a b Murphy, Matt (13 January 2023). "Lithuanian gas pipeline hit by large explosion". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Dujotiekio sprogimas Pasvalio rajone: ugnis lokalizuota, gyventojai raginami užsidaryti langus ir likti namuose". lrt.lt (in Lithuanian). Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ "Aiškėja sprogimo Pasvalio rajone detalės: gyventojams dujų tiekimas nesutriks, teigia, kad piktybinio poveikio dujotiekiui nemato". lrt.lt (in Lithuanian). Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ "Lietuvā netālu no Latvijas eksplodējis gāzes vads; remonts var aizņemt nedēļas (plkst. 20.45)". delfi.lv (in Latvian). DELFI LV. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Pasvalio rajone sprogo dujotiekis: pliūptelėjo apie 50 metrų aukščio liepsna". delfi.lt (in Lithuanian). DELFI LT. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- ^ Sytas, Andrius. "Lithuania-Latvia gas pipeline blows up, but no sign of attack". reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 14 January 2023.