India: Gas Pipeline Explosion Kills 14 People

Local officials say that at least 14 people were killed and another 20 injured in a blast and fire at a GAIL gas pipeline in Andra Pradesh, India.

Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, state finance minister of Andhra Pradesh, told Reuters:  “The situation is very bad, 14 people were burnt alive and 20 have been admitted to hospital with injuries.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reported saying that victims and relatives would receive compensation.

The pipeline was delivering the gas to a power plant operated by Lanco Infratech, and arrangements had to be made to deliver the gas to conusmers via alternative pipelines, GAIL spokeswoman Vandana Chanana said.

ONGC official said that two wells supplying the pipeline had to be shut. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu have ordered an inquiry into the blast and fire.

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LNG World News Staff, June 27, 2014; Image: GAIL