On 13 October, a powerful explosion occurred in the Penza Region of Russia on the «Central Asia–Centre» main gas pipeline, which connects the Russian gas transmission system with the countries of Central Asia. The accident took place near the village of Volchkovo in the Belinsky District. Following a loss of pressure in the underground pipeline, an intense flare-up occurred; according to local authorities, the flames reached a height of approximately 70 metres. The gas supply to the damaged section was promptly shut off. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that, according to preliminary data, there were no fatalities or injuries.
- An explosion has occurred on the «Central Asia–Centre» main gas pipeline in the Penza Region of the Russian Federation.
- The accident was reported near the village of Volchkovo in the Belinsky District.
- Following the pipeline rupture, the flames reached a height of approximately 70 metres.
- The gas supply to the damaged section was cut off, and the grass caught fire nearby.
A high-pressure gas pipeline has exploded in the Penza region
The accident occurred on Tuesday, 13 October, near the village of Volchkovo in the Belinsky District of the Penza Region, Russia. According to the regional office of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, a report of a rupture in the main gas pipeline was received at 11:00 Moscow time.
Following damage to an underground pipeline, high-pressure gas began to escape, accompanied by a massive flare. According to the Russian newspaper *Kommersant*, the flame reached a height of approximately 70 metres.
Footage posted on social media shows a huge blaze and thick black smoke rising above the site of the suspected accident. Local authorities have reported that the damaged section of the pipeline was promptly shut off. Dry grass also caught fire near the site of the explosion.
34 specialists were called in to deal with the incident
Following reports of an explosion, fire and rescue services, gas emergency services, the police, medical staff and power network workers were dispatched to the scene. A total of 34 people and 12 pieces of equipment were deployed to deal with the aftermath.
The agency stated that The pipeline rupture was caused by a disruption to the production process. However, the detailed findings of the technical investigation have not been made public.
What is known about the «Central Asia–Centre» gas pipeline?»
«Central Asia – Centre» is a major network of trunk gas pipelines connecting the gas fields of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to the Russian gas transmission system. According to Russian media reports, its total length is around 5,000 kilometres.
The system was originally built to transport natural gas from Central Asia to Russia and European consumers. However, since October 2023, certain sections of the gas transmission infrastructure have also been used in the opposite direction — to supply Russian gas to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan.
The section damaged in the Penza Region is operated by «Gazprom Transgaz Saratov», a subsidiary of «Gazprom».
Will the explosion affect gas supplies?
The accident occurred on a main pipeline that forms part of a major inter-state gas transmission system. However, the suspension of gas supply to the damaged section does not mean that the entire «Central Asia–Centre» system will automatically shut down. It consists of several main lines, which, under certain conditions, allows gas flows to be redistributed.
It is not yet known how badly the pipeline has been damaged, how long the repairs will take, or whether the accident will affect gas supply volumes.
