New Delhi/Andhra Pradesh: At least 14 people died after a blast at a Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) site in Nagaram in Andhra Pradesh.
A massive fire which had broken out due to the blast in the pipeline has been brought under control. The fire broke out at around 3 a.m. in the morning.
The flames were at least 20 metres high, and have charred the trees nearby.
20 fire engines were rushed to the spot; the authorities are trying to evacuate the locals from the area to avoid any further casualty.
According to eyewitnesses, 11 people caught in the blaze were burnt alive. Fifteen others were injured and were taken to hospital. Police have confirmed three deaths.
Those who suffered burns are being shifted to Amalapuram and Kakinada hospitals.
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.
The blast took place in the early hours, in Nagaram village in Amalapuram mandal, about 560 km from Hyderabad.
“The fire has been brought under control and rescues operations are underway. The toll may rise,” PTI quotes East Godavari District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad as saying.
Andhra Pradesh Government has orders probe in to the cause of pipeline fire.
