GAIL pipeline fire: Naidu cuts short Delhi trip, heads to AP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today cut short his visit to Delhi and rushed to Rajamundry after over 15 people were killed in a massive fire at a gas pipeline in the State this morning.

A statement from the Government of Andhra Pradesh here said, the Chief Minister has cut short his tour programme and rushed to Rajamundry along with Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a special flight this afternoon.

Naidu expressed his condolence over the fire accident reported at Mamidikuduru in Amalapuram of East Godavari district, it added.

Ahead of his departure from Delhi, Naidu told reporters that he received information about the accident this morning and he is monitoring the situation with the District Collector regarding rescue and relief measures.

AP Home Minister N Chinna Rajappa is at the accident spot and monitoring assistance and rehabilitation operations, he added.

Replying to a query, Naidu said taking remedial measures to prevent such accidents in the future is vital. He also stated that the issue would be probed and necessary action would be taken.

"If the accident was because of the negligence of any official, action would be initiated against them," the statement quoting Naidu said.

The Chief Minister said that he would discuss the issues pertaining to the AP Reorganisation Act with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sriharikota.

Earlier, the Chief Minister called on Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari. Though he was scheduled to meet Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, the meeting was cancelled following Naidu's departure.

Naidu arrived at Delhi yesterday and had back-to-back meetings with several Union Ministers on various projects required for Andhra Pradesh.