In Andhra Pradesh, at least five persons are feared burnt alive and few others injured when an explosion occurred at a gas 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 early this morning. Local people have brought out two bodies completely burnt. Police and fire extinguishers have arrived at the site to carry out rescue activities and control fire.

Heavy damage to surrounding properties like houses, shops and horticulture crops has also been reported following flames rising to a height of over 200 feet engulfing the entire area.

ONGC Rajahmundry Assets Public Relations Officer Jameel told our correspondent that ONGC officials have reached the site and begun extinguishing measures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 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.