Large-scale explosion shakes Causeni-Tiraspol gas pipeline, UPDATE

01.04.2009 09:06
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A powerful explosion happened on a pipeline transporting natural gas to the European Union at about 5.30 this morning. The accident occurred between Copanca and Chitcani villages of Causeni district, the spokeswoman for the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service Liliana Puscasu said. According to her, the explosion created a pit of 100 square meters. No casualties were reported. The gas tap controlling the Causeni-Tiraspol pipeline was closed. Employees of the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service, representatives of Moldovagaz and police officers are on the spot. The cause was not yet determined. A fire brigade from the Transnistrian region was called out. The head of the local Fire and Emergencies Service Victor Ieruslanov has told the TCB TV channel that the explosion happened near Chitcani village, somewhere in the Security Zone between the territory controlled by the Moldovan and secessionist authorities. The firefighters are examining the place of the accident to establish which of the administrations should investigate the case, Ieruslanov said. According to the publication Novaya Gazeta, the exposition was felt in Tiraspol and Bender towns. “Anyone in Bender could see through the window the fire that was over 50 meters in height,” Novaia Gazeta reported.