Reuters cited the company as saying that 20 others local residents were also injured in the blast and fire at a gas pipeline, raising safety concerns over the energy projects in the nation.
According to TV news footage and eyewitness accounts, the fire broke out on a stretch of pipeline running through the village of Nagaram.
Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu was quoted by Reuters as saying, "The situation is very bad … 14 people were burnt alive and 20 have been admitted to hospital with injuries."
Press Trust of India (PTI) cited GAIL spokeswoman Vandana Chanana as saying that the 18-inch diameter pipeline delivers 0.5 million standard cubic meters of gas per day to Lanco Infratech-operated power plant.
"We have made arrangements to supply gas to consumers through alternative pipelines," Chanana added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Petroleum and Natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a high level inquiry into the pipeline explosion.
The 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) will undertake the inquiry.
