At least 15 killed in blast at GAIL site in Andhra Pradesh, over 20 injured

Mangalore Today News Network

Hyderabad, Jun 27, 2014: At least 15 persons were killed and several injured after the trunk pipeline of Gas Authority of India Ltd (Gail) exploded following a gas leak early on Friday morning near Nagaram in East Godavari district, about 600 km from Hyderabad.

While the explosion killed some persons in nearby houses, the resulting fire engulfed several other houses adjacent to the pipeline trapping residents and many were burnt alive.

The incident occurred at 6 am and the injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Kakinada, Amalapuram and Razole. District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad said that the toll could rise. “It took two hours for the fire to be controlled after Gail cut the gas flow in the pipeline. We have evacuated all the injured some of them with serious burn injuries. We are not sure what caused the explosion,’’ Prasad said.

The explosion occurred close to the ONGC gas complex at Tatipaka An AP Government release said the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an inquiry. Deputy Chief Minister N Chinna Rajappa reached the spot to oversee relief and help for the victims’ families and those injured.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu told reporters, “As per initial reports we have received, 14 deaths have been reported and some more are critically injured and undergoing treatment.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the accident.

GAIL chairman B C Tripathi said the fire occurred in an 18-inch pipeline of the company near to the ONGC refinery complex.

“The reasons for the accident are not known yet. We are currently focused on rescue and relief operations,” he said.