June 27, 2014– A gas pipeline operated by Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL for short) apparently suffered an explosion that reportedly killed as many as 14 people and injured 15. The accident occurred in the 18 inch pipeline, close to a refining complex operated by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Commission, another government owned entity) in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
The explosion led to a massive fire with flames shooting about 30 feet high. It is unclear if the casualties are outsiders who were physically close to the pipeline, or were employees/contractors of GAIL or ONGC. About 20 Fire Tenders were dispatched to the site and the gas supply running through the pipeline was shutoff.
The cause of the accident is not clear and will be known only after investigations are complete.