A security worker walks past pipelines at a gas compressor station on Slovakia-Ukraine border in Velke Kapusany September 2, 2014. Ukraine had begun test imports of gas from Slovakia in August via an upgraded pipeline, as the country tries to secure greater energy independence from Russia. (Reuters)
Three persons have been hurt as a result of a large fire that broke out at an oil pipeline in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of western Ukraine, according to emergency services on Saturday.
Unverified video that was posted on social media showed heavy black smoke billowing over what appeared to be a settlement.
“At 5 p.m. (1400 GMT), near the village of Strymba, Nadvirna district, an oil pipeline (150 millimeters in diameter) ruptured,” Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said.
It said that the rupture led to an oil spill spanning an area of 100 square meters.
The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, but local media outlets said there had been a powerful explosion.
“Rescuers are working at the scene,” the emergency services said.
