LITHUANIA – Gas Railcars Explode Near Vilnius, Sending Smoke Over Lithuania’s Capital

A fire involving several railcars loaded with liquefied petroleum gas triggered explosions on Wednesday morning outside Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital.

The blasts sent thick smoke over the city, prompting authorities to warn residents in nearby areas to stay indoors. One person was injured, according to the national fire and rescue service.

Police confirmed the tank cars belonged to the Polish company Orlen. The firm explained that the shipment came from its Lithuanian refinery and was being transported to the Baltoji Vokė LPG terminal near Vilnius. Orlen emphasized that the terminal is not operated by its Lithuanian subsidiary and that logistics were managed by a contractor.

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius said preliminary evidence points to occupational safety violations as the likely cause, but stressed that investigators are examining all possibilities. Orlen added that the sequence began with a fire that led to an explosion, and assured it is cooperating fully with authorities.

Officials stated that, so far, there are no signs the incident was intentional.

Photo credit: Mindaugas Kulbis. All rights reserved.