'Officials, 108 did not respond'

Local people in Nagaram village in East Godavari district, where the GAIL pipeline leakage and the accompanying blast claimed 18 lives, allege that the negligent attitude of the GAIL officials was responsible for the mishap and the deaths.

They allege that though they have repeatedly complained about the leakages, but the officials turned a deaf ear. Weakening of the gas pipeline connections is believed to be the main cause of the mishap.

They are demanding to take severe action against the officials responsible for the tragedy.

As per the local people, the officials did not take any action to prevent leakages.

“All of us ran for our lives after the incident occurred at 5.30 am. The sound was audible for about five kilometers. The officials and 108 ambulance personnel did not respond even after we called them for help. Only DSP reached our village immediately after the incident. So many persons died in front of us and we were in a helpless,” said the local people. 

Local people are demanding that the authorities immediately remove the gas pipeline which passes through their village. “If that is not done, we may have to leave our villages. GAIL officials did not start any rescue operations till the civil officials reached the village,” said the local people.

- Sakshipost