UST-LUGA, RUSSIA – An explosion occurred at a gas export terminal near the Russian city of St. Petersburg, causing a large fire that has since been contained, officials reported. The terminal is operated by gas producer Novatek and is located in Ust-Luga on the Gulf of Finland. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the blast.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, although local media have reported drone activity in the area. This has raised concerns about the potential involvement of drones in the incident, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both of which have utilized drones in the past.
Following the explosion, a “high alert regime” was implemented in the area by regional governor Alexander Drozdenko. Novatek confirmed that work at the terminal has been suspended until further notice, attributing the fire to “external influence” without providing further details.
The Ust-Luga Oil terminal, located in Leningrad Oblast, processes fuel, with a significant portion of it being supplied to the Russian military. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as any disruption to operations at the terminal could have broader implications beyond the immediate area.
The incident at the Novatek terminal underscores the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructure to external threats and raises concerns about the security of energy facilities in the region. Efforts to determine the cause of the explosion and fire are currently underway, with authorities working to ensure the safety and stability of the area.