Explosion hits gas pipeline in northwestern Turkey

An explosion occurred near a gas pipeline in northwest Turkey's Sakarya province, state broadcaster TRT Haber said.

A Turkish energy official said the explosion was being investigated but early indications suggested it was not caused by an attack. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The fire brigade has been dispatched to Arifiye district where the explosion took place.

Turkey’s state pipeline operator Botas said that it would use alternative routes to supply gas to areas affected by the explosion.

The fire was brought under control and repair work will start soon, Botas said, adding that there will be no interruption to the gas flow in the area, Reuters reported.