Gas facility explosion in Crimea sparks massive fire, outages reported

There has been a powerful explosion in Crimea. According to media reports, a gas distribution facility exploded. Recordings and photos show a massive fire. It is unknown whether this is the result of 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 depressurized, causing a fire that spread to the forest massif.

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