The East Godavari village of Nagaram in India burned down on Friday after a gas pipeline exploded, which killed 15 people and injured at least 25 others.
The state-owned Gas Authority of India Ltd pipeline appears to have been leaking for the last few days with no one aware due to the gas' lack of a smell. According to the Times of India, the fire started when a tea stall owner turned on his stove.
Flames from the fire rose over a hundred feet into the air and along with those killed who lived close to the epicenter of the blast plenty of wildlife in the area was wiped out. Coconut trees grown near the area also burned down.
According to The Associated Press, it took three hours to put out the fire, which burned nearby homes and shops. "The extent of damage is being assessed," Andhra Pradesh Home Minister N. Chinna Rajappa said.
Residents of the town have come forward to say they have complained to GAIL about the poorly maintained pipeline. "People are angry that GAIL authorities didn't pay heed when they complained that the pipes had become rusty," State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said.