Lithuanian pipeline blast blamed on rupture not attack

Workers inspect the aftermath of a gas pipeline explosion in Pasvalys, Lithuania January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Janis Laizans

PASVALYS, Lithuania (Reuters) - A rupture in an old natural gas pipe has emerged as the most likely cause of Friday's blast in the Lithuania-Latvia pipeline, the head of its operator said on Saturday.

The explosion yielded flames up to 50 meters high, but there was no immediate evidence of an attack.