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Leak Sealed After Massive Crude Spill From Brandenburg Pipeline

Officials say preparatory work for a safety test triggered the failure.

Overview

  • At least 200,000 liters of crude oil escaped near Zehnebeck/Gramzow, with a meter-high fountain reported for several hours before the flow was contained.
  • The leak at a Schieber/pump station on the RostockSchwedt line was largely closed by Wednesday evening and fully secured overnight, with firefighters standing down around 2–3 a.m.
  • PCK and authorities ruled out sabotage, and investigators have opened inquiries into the technical cause and the extent of environmental damage.
  • Emergency crews, including about 100 firefighters and 25 PCK staff, used vacuum trucks to recover oil; THW is now supporting ongoing cleanup and assessment.
  • Residents were warned of strong odors and told to keep windows closed, while initial expert assessments said saturated fields likely limited seepage and groundwater contamination risk; the environment minister plans an on-site visit today.