13 October 2026 on the Central Asia–Centre gas pipeline in Russia's Penza Oblast there was an explosion, after which flaring combustion began. The accident occurred on a trunk line connected with the transportation of gas from Central Asia, including from Kazakhstan.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the regional directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), a report of the accident was received on 13 October at 11:00 Moscow time. The rupture of an underground high-pressure gas pipeline occurred in the area of the village of Volchkovo in Belinsky District of Penza Oblast.
After the pipe was damaged, flaring combustion began: the height of the flame reached 70 metres. The fire also engulfed the surrounding vegetation.
HOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACCIDENT ARE BEING DEALT WITH
The affected section of the gas pipeline was shut off. 34 people and 12 units of equipment were involved in dealing with the consequences, including fire and rescue units, police, medics, emergency gas services and power grid specialists.
According to preliminary data, there are no dead or injured.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE GAS PIPELINE
Central Asia–Centre – a multi-line system of trunk gas pipelines connecting the gas fields of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Russia. The length of the system is about 5,000 km.
The trunk line was created for the transportation of gas between the countries of the region. It passes through the territory of four states and is part of the international gas transportation infrastructure.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE CAUSES OF THE EXPLOSION
As of the time of publication, there is no data on the causes of the explosion. There is also no confirmed information about disruptions in the operation of Kazakhstan's gas transportation system in connection with this incident.
