Explosion at Crimean gas facility triggers massive blaze

There has been a powerful explosion in Crimea. According to media reports, a gas distribution facility exploded. There are recordings and photos of a massive fire. It is unknown whether this results from an attack or, as the Russians claim, a leak in the installation.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, a gas installation is burning near Alushta, and rescuers and foresters are working on-site to prevent the fire from spreading.

The head of the Alushta administration warned that the gas pipeline fire could cause a complete or partial gas outage in the city.

Soon after, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia reported that the gas pipeline suspension bridge in the village of Vynohradne was depressurised, causing a fire outbreak that spread to the forest massif.

Information appeared in the Crimean public opinion that 14 villages in the Alushta district were temporarily deprived of gas.