Eleven people are feared killed after a huge blast took place at a gas pipeline near Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's gas connection station in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh early Friday morning, officials said.

"The accident took place in Nagaram village in Mamidikuduru mandal of the coastal district," police said. According to eyewitnesses, 11 people caught in the blaze were burnt alive. Fifteen others were injured and were taken to hospital. Police have confirmed three deaths.

Huge flames sent panic among people in the area. Five fire tenders were sent to tackle the blaze.