A major fire at a gas-storage facility in Sør-Fron, Norway, has led to the closure of train traffic on the Dovrebanen line as authorities establish a safety zone.
A significant fire erupted in a building storing gas in Sør-Fron, located in Innlandet, which led to the closure of train services on the Dovrebanen line. The fire was reported on Wednesday evening at 21:23, prompting immediate action from emergency services to contain the blaze. Given the proximity of the fire to the train tracks, a 300-meter safety zone has been established to ensure public safety, and updates are expected from officials throughout Thursday evening.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation by the police. The fire, occurring near the railway tracks, has forced the suspension of train traffic to avoid potential hazards. Olav Nordli, a spokesperson for Bane Nor, mentioned that trains are halted whenever reports indicate fire hazards near the tracks, highlighting the swift response of rail authorities to ensure passenger safety. As of Thursday morning, Bane Nor announced that they are working to determine the situation and will provide further updates by the evening.
In addition to the fire in the gas-storage building, firefighters are also managing the situation surrounding a 20,000-liter diesel tank in the area. The complexity of the incident showcases the challenges faced by emergency services in such scenarios, where both the fire and the risk of nearby fuel storage can escalate the dangers involved. The community is advised to stay clear of the affected area as responders continue to monitor and control the situation closely.
