Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a high-level inquiry into the pipeline explosion at Tatipaka in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The inquiry will be undertaken by a committee headed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ED, HPCL, ED, OISD, and a nominee from the National Disaster management Authority (NDMA).
The Minister, along with the Andhra Pradesh chief Minister, secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas, and Chairman, GAIL are rushing to the site. Pradhan has condoled the deaths. He has expressed concern at the accident, and assured that strong steps for safety and security of oil and gas installations will be taken so as to ensure non-recurrence of such incidents. Pradhan has directed immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures.
The blast in the pipeline belonging to Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) took place around 5:30 am due to a gas leak in the pipeline. There have been some deaths and casualties, and exact number is being ascertained. The injured have been admitted to Amlapuram hospitals. The Officials of the Ministry and GAIL are in contact with the district administration. The fire has been brought under control. All the steps have been taken on the site for prevention, like closing of input/output valves to the pipeline. The cause of the accident is still not known. (NSS)
