Pipeline Explosion Claims 15 Lives In India

Not less than 15 people reportedly lost their lives on Friday in an explosion that occurred at Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the country’s largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company located at the East Godavari district.  

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Vandana Chanana, a top official at the energy company said 14 other people were injured in the incident. He said Doctors revealed that five of the injured persons were in critical condition.

According to abcnews, the fire which destroyed several homes resulted to the evacuation of neighboring villages. It said the flames of the fire rose up to 80 feet into the air.

According to a witnesses, residents ran out of their homes and crowded the streets, adding that many houses and shops were razed during the misfortune.  

Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, the State Finance Minister confirmed that 15 people died in the incident. 

Speaking to newsmen, Chinna Rajappa said that the explosion happened around 5:30 a.m. in Nagaram village, which is the company’s connecting station. It said the raging fire lasted for more than three hours before it was put out.

"The extent of damage is being assessed," Rajappa said.   

The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained as the company officials claimed it was too early to detect, but the Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, however, disclosed that the federal government has already set up a panel to investigate the cause.