A column of fire is seen after an explosion ripped through Austria's main gas pipeline hub in Baumgarten. News of the blast sent gas prices in Europe soaring on fears it would restrict supply as winter sets in. Gas Connect Austria, which operates the site, said the hub had been shut down but the blaze had been extinguished. Emergency crews are seen attending to a fire after reports of a gas explosion in Baumgarten. Gas Connect Austria said its deliveries to Austria's southern and southeastern borders were affected by the blast until further notice.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 12, 2017 20:15 UTC