Huge blast took place in a ga pipeline near ONGC gas connecting station in Mamidikudhuru, East Godavari district. 14 were burnt alive and 15 were grieviously injured. The death toll is expected to increase further. Fires erupted almost 250 meters high and they reduced 50 houses and shops, 100s of Coconut trees in to ashes. Fire department managed to bring the fires under control.
Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu who is in Delhi to meet several Central ministers cancelled his trip midway and is flying back to the state. He along with Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradas is expected to reach the spot this afternoon. Chandra Babu stated to the media that if he finds any negligence involved in the incident, severe action will be taken on the concerned officials.
Villagers recall the gas pipeline blowout in the district about two decades ago where flames continued to rage for several days. However district collector Neetu Kumari Prasad told that the incident took place in the early hours and there is nothing to panic as the fire has been brought under control.
