In Andhra Pradesh, the death toll due to GAIL pipeline blast at Nagaram of Mamidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari district rose to 15.

About 30 others injured in the incident are being treated in various hospitals. The condition of some of them is stated to be critical. The deceased include women and children.

Several houses and shops reduced to ashes in the fire that rose to a height of about 200 feet.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reached the site by a special flight from Delhi after cutting short his visit. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and senior Officials of GAIL also accompanied him.