Blast at GAIL pipeline in Andhra Pradesh kills 14
28 Jun 2014 12:19 AM GMT
A high level committee has been set up to probe the explosion at a gas pipeline in Andhra Pradesh, which killed 14 people and left several others grievously injured. According to reports, the explosion took place at a GAIL pipe line in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Friday. The incident occurred at Nagaram village in Mamidikuduru Mandal early morning.
Police said 14 bodies have been taken out so far. The deceased include women and children. Andhra Pradesh home minister China Rajappa said, ‘The toll could go up. The injured have been sent to nearby government hospitals at Kakinada, Rajolu and Amalapuram. The condition of a dozen injured are stated to be critical. ONGC officials with the help of police have controlled the fire. Several houses, shops and coconut gardens have been destroyed by the blaze. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu was reported to be monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan set up a high level committee to probe the explosion. He said senior officials will visit the accident spot in Nagaram village of Amlapuram Mandal. They are engaged in the rescue and relief work, which is the government’s primary concern. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Pradhan said, ‘The Directorate of Safety have turned off the input and output points of gas supply. The fire has been doused but the situation still remains tense.’
Condoning the loss of life, prime minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the his Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the incident and 50,000 rupees for those who were seriously injured. President Pranab Mukherjee too offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
Police said 14 bodies have been taken out so far. The deceased include women and children. Andhra Pradesh home minister China Rajappa said, ‘The toll could go up. The injured have been sent to nearby government hospitals at Kakinada, Rajolu and Amalapuram. The condition of a dozen injured are stated to be critical. ONGC officials with the help of police have controlled the fire. Several houses, shops and coconut gardens have been destroyed by the blaze. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu was reported to be monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan set up a high level committee to probe the explosion. He said senior officials will visit the accident spot in Nagaram village of Amlapuram Mandal. They are engaged in the rescue and relief work, which is the government’s primary concern. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Pradhan said, ‘The Directorate of Safety have turned off the input and output points of gas supply. The fire has been doused but the situation still remains tense.’
Condoning the loss of life, prime minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the his Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the incident and 50,000 rupees for those who were seriously injured. President Pranab Mukherjee too offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
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