15 people burnt alive in Andhra gas pipeline explosion, 18 injured

{ventuno}

Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), June 27: In a major gas pipeline explosion at the site of the state-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Nagaram in Andhra Pradesh, at least 15 people are feared to have been burnt alive. Recent reports suggest that 18 people are injured.

The blast took place at around 5:30 am. It is also said that over 50 houses and shops got burnt.

After the 250 metre fire was brought under control, the gas supply line has been cut off.

Eight fire engines were rushed to the spot even while the authorities are trying to evacuate people from the area.

GAIL is the country's largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company. It is suggested that the petroleum ministry may set up an inquiry. It should be recalled here that Andhra Pradesh has reported at least 3 such gas pipeline incidents in just one year.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that the inquiry will keep out GAIL and ONGC officials. Expressing grief over the incident, the minister said that high-level inquiry into it and that all the help would be extended to the victims.

OneIndia News