Minister of State for Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge), Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman has deeply condoled the loss of lives in an explosion of a GAIL gas pipeline in Andhra Pradesh today.
Sitharaman, who is on official tour to China as part of the delegation of Vice President Hamid Ansari, said "I am deeply shocked to hear about the loss of lives in the explosion of a GAIL gas pipeline in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh."
"The Government is committed to provide all necessary help to the affected people and families. I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery to the injured people and will be in touch with authorities to ensure that the needful is done on an urgent basis," Sitharaman said in a message from China.
At least 14 people were killed and seven others injured in a fire following a blast in a gas pipeline belonging to GAIL in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district this morning.
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is the country's largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company.
