Massive fire at gas station in Vilnius ignites rail cars, evacuation ordered
Xinhua | 2025-09-11 00:42
VILNIUS, Sept. 10 -- A major fire broke out Wednesday at a liquefied gas filling station in Vilnius, igniting eight rail cars loaded with gas and triggering multiple explosions, Lithuanian National Radio and Television reported.
(editor:Zhao Anqi)
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said the blaze was likely caused by "violations of working conditions," citing preliminary data. One person was reported injured.
Police have activated the Shield Plan, and the State Border Guard Service is monitoring the site from the air with a helicopter, the minister said, adding that a transit train bound for Russia's Kaliningrad region was halted and will be rerouted.
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas announced on Facebook that traffic has been closed on Kirtimu Street and the Eisiskes highway.
Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Edita Zdaneviciene told the Baltic News Service that seven fire engines, two water tankers and two ladder trucks were deployed to fight the blaze.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Fire and Rescue Department announced the evacuation of people within a one-km radius due to fears of a possible large explosion.
Authorities also warned residents of potential air pollution, urging them to remain indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and switch off ventilation or air conditioning.
