Crude oil leaked from a pipeline near the PCK refinery in Schwedt, Brandenburg. Firefighters estimate at least 200,000 liters spilled due to preparatory work for a safety test. The incident was largely contained after about 2.5 hours.
An oil leak occurred near Gramzow in Brandenburg's Uckermark region at a pipeline belonging to the PCK Schwedt refinery. The Brandenburg Environment Ministry confirmed the incident at a valve station on the line from Rostock to Schwedt. According to Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, crude oil leaked for about 2.5 hours until the breach was largely sealed around 19:45.
Schwedt firefighters estimate at least 200,000 liters of oil spilled, possibly more. Department head Alexander Trenn stated: "The oil shot out of a small leak with a pressure of about 20 bar." A roughly 25-meter-high oil fountain formed. Around 100 firefighters and 25 PCK refinery employees were on site. Special suction vehicles are now collecting the oil from a wet field; the operation continues into the morning.
PCK ruled out sabotage, attributing the leak to preparatory work for a planned safety test on Thursday. Environment Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) announced a visit to the site on Thursday afternoon. The Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Assistance warned of strong odors in the Zehnebeck area and advised residents to keep doors and windows closed.
