GAIL pipeline fire: PM Modi condoles deaths in tragedy

Hours after 14 people were killed in a GAIL pipeline explosion in East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths. [caption id=“attachment_1591251” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] PM Narendra Modi condoled the deaths which took place in the GAIL pipeline mishap. AFP[/caption] In a tweet, Modi said he was concerned about the kin of those who died in the tragedy and offered prayers for the injured to make an early recovery.Authorities have now confirmed that at least 14 people have been killed in the fire. Around 30 injured were rushed to the hospital. The death toll is expected to rise as officials investigate the site. Doctors suspect that some of those injured may not survive.  In another tweet, Modi said he had consulted the petroleum minister, cabinet secretary and GAIL chairman and demanded immediate relief measures at the site.

GAIL issued a statement after the explosion, saying that the reason for blast remains unclear but officials would investigate the tragedy. GAIL project director accompanied by his team and the Andhra Pradesh deputy CM have rushed to the accident spot. The blast took place in the early hours around 6 am in Nagaram village in Amalapuram mandal, about 560 km from Hyderabad, reported PTI. “The fire has been was brought under control and rescues operations are underway. The toll may rise,” PTI quoted East Godavari District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad as saying. Reports say that the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a probe into the incident. The petroleum minister is also setting up a high level inquiry into the incident.