Explosion hits Central Asia–Center gas pipeline in Russia's Penza

An explosion struck an underground segment of the Central Asia–Center trunk natural gas pipeline in Russia's Penza region, business daily Kommersant reported, citing Gazprom Transgaz Saratov.

The incident occurred near the village of Volchkovo in the Belinsky district, triggering a massive gas torch with flames reaching roughly 70 meters in height.

Operators swiftly isolated and shut down the affected conduit. While the blaze spread to adjacent dry brush, authorities reported no casualties or injuries. Spanning approximately 5,000 kilometers, the multi-line Central Asia–Center network links gas deposits across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan with Russian transmission hubs.