Gas pipeline explodes in southern Russia
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-09 16:11

A natural gas pipeline just outside the southern Russian city of Makhachkala exploded Wednesday, sending flames soaring into the air and lighting up the night sky.

An official said the explosion, which occurred about a half-mile west of the city, appeared to be an accident.

Two firefighters were injured while responding to the blaze, which occurred in a section of the region's main gas pipeline about 10 p.m., said Murtazali Gadzhiyev, Dagestan's regional emergency situations minister.

The city, which is capital of the Caspian Sea region of Dagestan, is about 1,000 miles south of Moscow.

City residents reported hearing a loud explosion before the fire erupted. A reddish hue was visible in the skies west of the city, and the blaze burned so hot that firefighters could not get close enough to fight it at first, fire officials said.

Preliminary information showed the explosion was accidental, Gadzhiyev said.

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