The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in an explosion of a GAIL gas pipeline in Andhra Pradesh today (June 27, 2014).

In his message to Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, the President has said "I am extremely saddened to learn about the explosion of a GAIL gas pipeline in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in which some persons have lost their lives and many others are injured.

I am sure that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured and all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons”.

This release issued at 1045 hrs