VILNIUS, Lithuania — Powerful explosions rattled suburbs of the Lithuanian capital on Wednesday morning after several railcars loaded with liquefied petroleum gas caught fire, authorities said, sending columns of smoke across the city and prompting warnings for residents to remain indoors.
The Fire and Rescue Department reported one person injured. Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius told reporters that initial information suggested the blaze was "most likely caused by a violation of occupational safety conditions," but that all possible causes were being investigated.
Police said the railcars belong to the Polish energy firm Orlen. Orlen said the tankers were carrying liquefied petroleum gas from its Lithuanian unit’s refinery to the Baltoji Vokė LPG terminal in Vilnius when a fire broke out and an explosion followed. The company said the terminal is not owned by its Lithuanian unit and that the logistics operation was handled by a contractor; Orlen added it was cooperating with authorities.
"At this point there is no suspicion that this is the result of intentional actions," the company said in an emailed statement, according to officials who relayed the comment.
Emergency services arrived at the scene to battle the blaze and secure the area. Authorities ordered nearby residents to stay indoors while crews assessed the situation and monitored air quality. The Fire and Rescue Department did not immediately release further details about the injured person’s condition.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is highly flammable, and fires involving pressurized tankers and railcars can cause powerful explosions and large plumes of smoke, complicating firefighting efforts and prompting precautionary measures for surrounding communities.
Investigators from multiple agencies, including police and fire inspectors, were reported to be at the scene to determine the cause. Kondratovičius said investigators would examine all versions of events and gather technical information from the tankers and the logistics operator.
The incident disrupted rail traffic in the area and drew a rapid emergency response as officials worked to contain the flames and prevent further detonations. City officials urged the public to avoid the affected districts and to follow guidance from emergency services.
Authorities said updates on the investigation and the safety situation would be provided as more information became available.