A significant gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Andhra Pradesh's Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district ignited a large fire on Monday, prompting the evacuation of nearby villages. The incident occurred at the Mori-5 well, located in Irusumanda village of Malikipuram Mandal, during production enhancement operations.
The leak reportedly occurred during repair work with a workover rig after the well's production had been temporarily stopped. A sudden, powerful blowout resulted in a massive release of gas mixed with crude oil, which then ignited, sending flames soaring high into the air. The resulting fire led to a state of panic among villagers as thick smoke and gas spread rapidly, affecting visibility and raising concerns about potential health hazards.
As a precautionary measure, authorities initiated the evacuation of residents within a five-kilometer radius of the site. Announcements were broadcast via loudspeakers, advising residents in nearby villages to avoid using electricity, switching on appliances, or lighting stoves to prevent further ignition. Many villagers fled their homes, also moving their cattle to safer locations.
The blaze also spread to nearby coconut groves, destroying an estimated 500 trees. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential damage to nearby aqua ponds.
Emergency response teams from ONGC, along with fire service personnel and police, were dispatched to the site to control the fire and contain the leak. Senior ONGC officials from Rajahmundry, as well as district authorities, are supervising the operations. ONGC has also initiated coordination with international well-control specialists.
According to ONGC, the well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500–600 metres. The area has been cordoned off, and cooling operations have commenced. ONGC has mobilized its Crisis Management Teams (CMT and RCMT) to oversee containment and response efforts. Preparatory work is in progress to facilitate well-control and, if required, capping of the well. Additional equipment is being mobilized from nearby locations, including Narsapuram.
Deep Industries Ltd, a Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) of ONGC, had secured a ₹1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC's Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh. The company has been operating the Mori-5 well for about a year.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been briefed on the incident and has directed officials to prioritize public safety, expedite relief measures, and maintain close coordination with ONGC until the situation is fully under control.
There have been no reports of casualties or injuries resulting from the gas leak and subsequent fire.
