Iraq, explosion at a gas pipeline

On 2 June, an explosion damaged a gas pipeline running from Iraq’s northern Kirkuk oilfields to power stations in the region. Emergency services have contained the resulting fire. According to a North Gas Company (NGC) official, the explosion took place around 35 miles (55 kilometres) west of Kirkuk. A preliminary inspection indicated that cracks in a corroded section of the pipeline were responsible for the blast. Technical crews secured the area and estimated that repairs would take approximately two days. According to state officials, no casualties have been recorded.