At least 14 people have been killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at a gas pipeline at the site of the state-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Andhra Pradesh of India.
The blast took place due to a gas leak in a pipeline near a refinery at Nagaram, around 560 km from Hyderabad at 5:30 am, reported NDTV.
GAIL Chairman BC Tripathi said the fire broke out in an 18-inch pipeline near a state-owned refinery complex. "The reasons for the accident could not be known immediately. We are currently focused on rescue and relief operations," he said.
District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad said the death toll could rise further.
A massive fire broke out after the blast which has been brought under control, said officials. The gas supply line has also been cut off.
Eight fire engines were rushed to the spot. Efforts are on to evacuate people from the area.
Chief Minister of the state Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an inquiry.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said he had spoken to GAIL authorities and asked them to ensure relief at the accident site.
GAIL is India's largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company.
