PM Narendra Modi condoles loss of lives in GAIL pipeline fire in Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in the GAIL pipeline fire in Andhra Pradesh and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the next of the kin of those killed.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar Seth and GAIL Chairman B C Tripathi and asked them to ensure immediate relief at the accident site.

"My thoughts (are) with the families of those who lost their lives in the GAIL pipeline fire in AP. (My) prayers (are) with the injured," Modi said.

The Prime Minister's relief is in addition to the relief assistance given by the Petroleum Ministry and GAIL, a PMO statement.

He also sanctioned an ex-gratia relief of Rs 50,000 for those who were seriously injured in the incident.

14 people were killed and seven others injured in the fire following a blast in a gas pipeline belonging to GAIL in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district early today.

East Godavari District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad told PTI the accident occurred at Nagaram village in Amalapuram Mandal.

She said three persons were critically injured. All the injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital, she added.