A fatal explosion in Austria at a gas pipeline hub has plunged Europe into an energy crisis, with Italy declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday. One person was killed and 18 were injured in the explosion in Baumgarten, Austria. “There was an explosion around 8:45 a.m., and a fire,” said a police spokesman. “A wide area has been sealed off and there are expected to be several injured.” The blaze is now under control, but gas prices shot up almost immediately throughout Europe. Italy’s industry minister said the country must now deal with a very “serious” energy supply issue.
