Major Fire on Moscow Gas Pipeline

A major fire broke out July 11 at a Moscow region power station July 11, with reports suggesting it may have been caused by an explosion on a gas pipeline.

Russian emergency authorities have said 12 people have been injured. They have also reported severe disruption to operations at the gas-fired heat and power plant. 

The pipeline fire broke out at 11:11 local time at the 1,068-MW Thermal Power Plant No. 27,  in the Mytishchi district on the northeast outskirts of the Russian capital. The flames reportedly reached heights of 50 metres. It was localised at 12:38, Russia’s ministry for emergencies said.

"A gas pipeline is on fire, measures are being taken to block the pipeline, the thermal plant will be shut down," a source told state newswire Tass.

The gas-fired power plant has not sustained damage itself, the energy ministry said. The plant, which receives its gas from the pipeline, provides heat and electricity to more than a 1mn customers, according to operator Mosenergo.

The cause of the fire has not been reported. However, Tass said that according to preliminary data, the fire may have been caused by an explosion on the pipeline.