Natural gas was ignited over several hundred meters of the gas pipeline at around 9:30 in the morning. Manhole covers at the corner of Hämeentie and Sturenkatu flew into the air and landed on cars. The blast shook nearby buildings and frightened many residents.
Authorities do not yet know what caused the leak and the ensuing explosion. They speculate that the pipeline could have been damaged during road work, causing a buildup of methane. Gas company Gasum had nonetheless noticed higher than normal gas pressure readings before the accident occurred.
Gasum says they have opened the manhole covers to air out the pipes and will then search for the source of the leak.
