In Andhra Pradesh, at least 14 persons have been burnt alive and about 40 others injured in an explosion occurred at a pipe line near a natural gas rig under the control of GAIL authority of India. The incident occurred at Nagaram village in Mamidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari District early this morning.

According to local police so far 14 bodies have been taken out. The deceased include women and children. State Home Minister Chinarajappa has expressed fear that the toll may further go up.

The injured have been sent to nearby government hospitals at Kakinada, Rajolu and Amalapuram. The condition of a dozen persons who are seriously injured stated to be critical.

Meanwhile, ONGC officials with the help of police and fire extinguishers have controlled the fire. Several houses, shops and coconut gardens in about 15 acres have been reduced to ashes in the fire which rose to a height of more than 200 feet.

Meanwhile, along with Petroleum Minister D. Pradhan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who is in Delhi since yesterday has left for the spot a short while ago. Expressing shock over the incident, he directed the officials to provide all relief to the affected families.

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He said that he is extremely saddened to learn about the explosion of the GAIL gas pipeline in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in which some persons have lost their lives and many others are injured.

The President also said that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured and all possible aid to the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the loss of lives in the fire in pipeline of Gas Authority of India Limited in Andhra Pradesh today. He had a word with the Petroleum Minister, Cabinet Secretary and GAIL Chairman and asked them to ensure immediate relief at the accident site.