DHAKA: At least 15 people have been killed and 10 severely burnt in an explosion at a gas pipeline at the site of the Indian state-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Andhra Pradesh early Friday.

The blast took place at around 5:30 am in Nagaram, around 560 km from Hyderabad, reports the NDTV while three others were reported critically injured.

District Collector Neetu Kumari Prasad said the number of dead could rise.

A massive fire which broke out due to the blast in the pipeline has reportedly been brought under control, he added. The gas supply line has been cut off.

GAIL chairman BC Tripathi said the fire broke out in an 18-inch pipeline near a state-owned refinery complex. "The reasons for the accident are not known yet. We are currently focused on rescue and relief operations," he said.

Eight fire engines were rushed to the spot. Efforts are on to evacuate people from the area.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolence in this incident.

At 9:40am in a tweet he said, “My thoughts with the families of those who lost their lives in the GAIL Pipeline fire in AP. Prayers with the injured”.

He mentioned on twitter post that he has spoken to the Petroleum Minister, Cabinet Secretary & GAIL Chairman and asked them to ensure immediate relief at the accident site.

GAIL is the India's largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company.

BDST: 1003 HRS, JUNE 27, 2014/1040hrs