In the early hours of June 13, 2025, a gas pipeline explosion occurred near Saint-Martin-de-Crau in Bouches-du-Rhône, prompting the evacuation of 120 nearby residents.

Emergency services were alerted around 3:00 AM, and initial reports confirmed no injuries or damage to nearby homes.

As a precaution, 120 residents were evacuated, with 47 individuals, including seven children, sheltered in a community hall due to smoke inhalation from burning cypress trees.

NaTran, the gas network manager, reported that the gas supply was isolated to stop the leak, and firefighters were working to extinguish the fire.

The explosion ignited a fire that consumed approximately five hectares of land, but firefighters successfully contained the blaze by 7:30 AM.

A total of 180 firefighters, supported by 56 vehicles, are currently managing the residual flare and securing the area.

To limit the size of the flame, the gas flow has been reduced, and authorities confirmed there is no risk of toxic gas release.

The explosion created a significant gas flare, which diminished after pressure in the pipeline was reduced from 64 bars to 30 bars.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities looking into whether it was accidental or criminal.

Transportation in the area has been disrupted, with Departmental Road 5 closed and the SNCF rail service between Miramas and Avignon temporarily suspended.

NaTran reported that some customers have been affected by the supply disruption, but services are expected to return to normal within hours.

The SNCF train service between Miramas and Avignon was temporarily halted but resumed later in the morning as safety measures were implemented.