Interfax reported that the Friday gas pipeline explosion between Izobilny and Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol territory may have been caused by the pipe tear and wear.

The Emergency Situations Ministry department for the Stavropol territory said "The tentative reason behind the accident is corrosion of the pipe metal."

The Emergency Situations Ministry updated reports indicate that the explosion happened on the 18th kilometer of one of the pipeline four sections running underground in a field on Friday afternoon. The accident was reported by witnesses who were passing by this place at the moment.

The department said the accident did not cause casualties or interruptions in gas supply.

Gazprom Transgaz Stavropol, the company managing the pipeline, confirmed the reports and added that a burst pipe involving fire occurred on a gas pipeline with a diameter of 1,000 millimeters. It said "The pipeline is being repaired now, and this work should be completed by Sunday evening.”

(Sourced from Interfax)