14 April: A powerful blast hit a natural gas pipeline connecting Azerbaijan and Russia at around midnight on Friday, the country’s APA news agency said.The agency later reported that the fire had been extinguished. (APA and Ria-Novosti)

The incident took place at the Shamakhy Region in Central Azerbaijan, at the 13th mile of the Gazimagomed-Mozdok pipeline. The 150-mile pipeline runs along the Caspian Sea coast to Russia’s republic of North Ossetia. The blast was followed by a blaze, with flames raging at the height of up to 150 meters. There were no death or injuries. The blaze was extinguished shortly after midnight on Saturday, the Baku-based Trend news agency said.

Local police said gas supplies to Russia have been suspended. It is yet unclear when they will resume.

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