3 feared dead in GAIL pipeline fire

At least three people are feared killed after an explosion at a gas pipeline at the site of the state-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Guntur area of Andhra Pradesh. The blast took place at around 5:30 am in Nagaram, around 560 km from Hyderabad. Three people are said to be critically injured. District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad said the number of dead could rise. A massive fire which broke out due to the blast in the pipeline has reportedly been brought under control. The gas supply line has been cut off. GAIL chairman BC Tripathi said the fire broke out in an 18-inch pipeline near a state-owned refinery complex. “The reasons for the accident are not known yet. We are currently focused on rescue and relief operations,” he said. Eight fire engines were rushed to the spot. Efforts are on to evacuate people from the area, according to PTI.