Fire Breaks Out in Gas Pipeline in Crimea

Russian officials reported that a fire broke out late Saturday after an incident in a gas pipeline near the village of Vinogradnoye in the Crimea Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine. They added that the fire spread to a nearby forest and cut off gas supply to the resort town of Alushta and more than ten settlements. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations stated via the messaging app Telegram, "There is no threat to the populated area." Officials appointed by Russia in Crimea late Saturday reported on Telegram that gas supplies were interrupted in Alushta, a city with approximately 30,000 residents, and 14 neighboring settlements. No injuries were reported. The administration of Crimea, appointed by Russia, stated on Telegram, "After the gas in the pipes burns completely, restoration work will begin." Russian news agencies cited officials stating that no injuries occurred. The TASS news agency reported that the fire covered an area of about 1,500 square meters. The cause of the incident leading to the fire was not immediately clear.