Petroleum Minister orders broad-based probe on GAIL pipeline blast

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said that considering the severity of the GAIL gas pipeline blast in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari District, he has ordered for a broad-based investigation.

"Many people have died and many severely injured have been admitted to the Amlapuram Hospital. Right now, we have called a meeting of GAIL officials. We have closed all the gas from the input and output pipe. The fire is under control. It is a severe situation. So, considering it, a high profile investigating team will enquire into the depth of the accident.

"As of now, the first priority is relief, rehabilitation and restoration, and the work is going on in full swing," he added.

He also told the media that the entire information about the accident has been passed on to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he has expressed grief over the incident.

"As of now the Petroleum Minister, Departmental Secretary and GAIL chairman are leaving for the accident site," said Pradhan

"So far, there are no statutory security measures for oil gas and petroleum sector," he added.

Earlier today, an explosion at a gas pipeline at a state-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) site in Nagaram in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur District had resulted in many casualties and injuries.

According to the Corporate Communication Executive Director of GAIL, Vandana Chanana, the fire has been extinguished and so far 13 casualties and 15 injured have been reported.

GAIL is the country's largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company.