Lithuanian gas pipeline hit by large explosion
BBC NewsJan 13, 2023
A gas pipeline connecting Lithuania and Latvia exploded in northern Lithuania on Friday, though Nemunas Biknius, the chief executive of the Lithuanian gas transmission operator Amber Grid, said they so far "do not see any malign cause" but will investigate.
A raging fire was put out at the blast site in Panevezys county, and the gas supply was temporarily cut after the explosion damaged one of two parallel pipelines, though it was eventually restored.
Though the Lithuanian government will conduct a thorough investigation into any and all possible causes of this explosion, it so far looks to have been technical in nature and not an outside attack. Investigators will also look into the potential connection between the blast and the recent maintenance work the pipeline had undergone.
With the investigation in its infancy, no conclusions should be drawn as to what caused this explosion, especially after the Nord Stream pipeline investigation conducted by Sweden found traces of explosive material at the site of that gas leak. After quickly blaming Russia for that incident, the mainstream narrative eventually had to backtrack, which is why we must wait for all the facts regarding this case.