Gas leak triggers fire at ONGC well in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh
Gas leak triggers fire at ONGC well in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh
A gas pipeline leak at ONGC's Mori-5 well sparked a fire in Konaseema district. Officials say there were no deaths or injuries as evacuation and cooling operations begin.
A gas pipeline leak at the Mori-5 well, located in Irusumanda village in the Razole area of Konaseema district, triggered a blaze during repair work conducted with a workover rig. The incident occurred while production at the well had been temporarily halted, and a powerful blowout released a mix of gas and crude oil that shot high into the air. There were no reports of deaths or injuries at this stage, according to an official from the Maharatna company.
Following the fire, senior officials from ONGC based in Rajahmundry rushed to the scene. The area has been cordoned off, and cooling operations have begun as ONGC mobilizes its Crisis Management Teams. Preparatory steps are in progress to facilitate well-control and, if required, capping of the well. ONGC said its senior management and technical experts are closely monitoring the situation.
The Mori-5 well is operated by Deep Industries Ltd as part of production enhancement operations. Local Panchayat officials and the administration issued evacuation advisories, prompting many residents to leave homes and move cattle to safer areas as the situation remained tense. Thick clouds of gas and smoke reportedly spread across the area around Irusumanda as teams worked to stabilize the scene.
Officials are examining the cause of the leak and the blast, with on-site assessments ongoing. The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols and rapid response in offshore and onshore oil-field operations, even as authorities work to bring the situation under control and keep nearby communities informed.
