Gas Pipeline Explodes in Austria

Gas Pipeline Explodes in Austria; Italy Declares Emergency over Supply issues

 12 December 2017 10:54

A deadly explosion and fire that ripped through Austria’s main gas pipeline hub has caused Italy to declare a state of emergency due to a lack of supplies.

One person was killed and 18 injured in the blast on Tuesday in Baumgarten, eastern Austria.

A police spokesman said: “There was an explosion around 8:45am (0745 GMT) and a fire. A wide area has been sealed off and there are expected to be several injured.”

In Britain, Europe’s biggest gas market, gas for immediate delivery rose 35% per therm, its highest level for four years.

Gas Connect Austria, which operates the Baumgarten site, said the blaze had been brought under control.

Police said the cause was technical in origin, but Employees of Gas Connect Austria dispute that.  The employees claim that intentional sabotage was involved (terrorism?) and that police were ordering them to keep quiet to prevent panic