An explosion occurred this morning before 9:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Baumgarten Natural Gas Station. The fire produced by the incident was then completely extinguished during the afternoon. It is with great sadness that we have to announce that an employee of TUV Austria lost his life in the accident. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones and will support them as much as possible during this difficult time. The exact circumstances of the accident are still unclear and are being investigated. The company is doing everything possible to help with these investigations. 21 people were injured. All of them received immediate medical attention and nearly all of them have already been able to leave the hospital.

The parts of the plant that were affected by the incident are currently non-operational. However, following extensive investigations by the fire brigade and the regional police, flows on the Trans Austria Gas pipeline towards Italy, the West Austria Gas pipeline to Germany and the Hungaria-Austria Gas pipeline will be restored over the next few hours.

The exact cause of the accident is unclear; the current assumption is that it was caused by a technical fault. The respective authorities and experts from Gas Connect Austria are intensively investigating the potential causes of the incident. Austria’s natural gas supply was at no time at risk. With the restart of operation on the international pipeline systems, it will be possible to resume transit through Austria, thereby restoring security of supply for the affected countries.

Contact:
Gas Connect Austria GmbH
Communications
Tel. +43 (1) 27500-88052

2017-12-12 Press release - Incident at Baumgarten Natural Gas Station