The activities regarding the clarification of the causes of the accident at pigging station Stryama on transit gas pipeline to Greece and Macedonia continue. The failed installation is separated from the main gas pipeline. The valves are sealed and in constant monitoring. At the time being there is not leakage in the atmosphere.
All necessary steps are being taken following the plan for action in emergency situations and ensuring the safety within perimeter of the accident. The pressure of natural gas within this section is reduced, with no affect to gas flows in contracted parameters toward Greece and Macedonia. There is no direct danger for the people in the nearby settlements. No risk exists on occurrence of new emergency situation.
Yesterday during a routine checkup operation for preparation on carrying out of scheduled inspection of section along the transit gas pipeline, exploded the launching pigging station Stryama. Two members of exploitation region Stara Zagora team of Bulgartransgaz were killed - aged 36 and 53, another two are injured. Their condition is stable. One of them, who is with heavy injuries, have undergone several surgeries. The other worker with light injuries has burns of second and third degree.
Minister Traikov and the executive director of Bulgartransgaz EAD Kiril Temelkov express their condolences to the relatives of the deceased. The families of the killed on duty shall be supported by the Company.
The failed pigging station is commissioned during 2001. No available data for deviation from the normal exploitation conditions. There are not pending or not implemented due repairs.