Gas Leak Feared as ONGC Pipeline Affected After Loud Explosion in Andhra's Konaseema District

New Delhi: A loud explosion occurred in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district on Monday raising fear of a possible gas leak after reports surfaced that an ONGC pipeline was affected.As per reports, panic

gripped the region after the explosion as dark flames erupted amid a gas leak scare. The authorities have ordered evacuation of the nearby areas.Also, the supply of gas and power has been halted in three nearby villages. An ONGC team has been rushed to the site tomonitor the situation.Last year in October, at least six workers were killed and two injured in an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit at Rayavaram mandal in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. The incident occurred while the workers were engaged in the manufacture of firecrackers in a Fire Works unit.ALSO READ | 'Tied to Pole, Assaulted': Andhra Pradesh Man Attacked by Wife's Family - Here's What HappenedConfirming the toll, the police suspect that the accident occurred due to some mishandling at the unit. However, the district superintendent of police Rahul Meena said the crackers’ manufacturing unit was a licensed one.The injured were shifted to the government hospital in Kakinada for medical treatment. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the fire incident.ALSO READ | Disaster-Ready India: Over 100 Villages Set to Achieve UNESCO Tsunami-Ready StatusHe inquired from the officials about the causes of the accident, current situation, rescue operations, medical assistance and other matters. The Chief Minister ordered the officials to personally go to the spot and participate in the rescue operations.Governor S Abdul Nazeer expressed deep sorrow over the fire accident. The Governor ordered the district administration to provide immediate medical assistance to those injured in the accident. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased.More to follow...