Gas leak sparks fire at ONGC oil well in Andhra; villagers evacuated

Gas leak at ONGC oil well in Konaseema sparks fire; three villages evacuated as officials work to contain flames and ensure public safety

Panic gripped parts of Konaseema district on Monday after a massive gas leak from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Irusumanda village, Razole area, triggered a fire. The incident occurred during repair operations on the well, which had been temporarily shut for maintenance using a workover rig.

According to officials, a sudden blowout released large volumes of gas mixed with crude oil, shooting high into the air. Within minutes, the leaked gas caught fire, sending flames and thick smoke billowing across the area. Dense clouds resembling fog spread over Irusumanda and nearby villages, alarming residents and prompting immediate safety measures.

Local authorities quickly issued warnings through loudspeakers, advising villagers not to use electricity, appliances, or stoves to prevent further ignition. Panchayat officials and district administration urged residents of three surrounding villages to evacuate. Many families left their homes, moving livestock and belongings to safer locations as the situation grew tense.

ONGC personnel rushed to the site to contain the leak and douse the flames. The area has been cordoned off, with senior district officials and ONGC engineers closely monitoring developments. Emergency teams are working to stabilize the well and ensure public safety.

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The incident highlights the risks associated with hydrocarbon operations in the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin, where ONGC has a significant presence. The corporation operates both onshore and offshore assets in East Godavari and adjoining regions, producing natural gas, crude oil, and related hydrocarbons. Offshore platforms in the Bay of Bengal are connected via subsea and onshore pipelines to processing facilities in Yanam (Puducherry) and Mallavaram (Andhra Pradesh), with additional infrastructure in Tatipaka.

Processed gas from these facilities is supplied to national transmission grids, while crude oil is transported for further handling. ONGC officials assured that urgent measures are underway to control the situation and minimize risks to nearby communities.

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with evacuation and safety protocols until the fire is fully contained.

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