metro india news  I amaravati

Tension gripped Konaseema district on Monday after a massive gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) drilling site in Irsumanda village of Malikipuram mandal led to a major fire, forcing large-scale evacuations. The incident occurred around noon at the Mori-5 well, when gas reportedly gushed out suddenly from a pipeline during drilling-related operations, triggering flames and loud explosions that continued for nearly two hours.

According to preliminary estimates, the fire spread to nearby coconut plantations, destroying more than 500 trees and causing significant losses to local farmers. Panicked residents fled their homes as thick flames and roaring sounds engulfed the area. Revenue and police officials rushed to the spot and evacuated the entire Irsumanda village. People living within a five-kilometre radius were shifted to safer locations to prevent any loss of life.

ONGC senior officials and technical teams rushed from Rajahmundry to the site and initiated emergency operations to bring the fire under control. Firefighting and cooling measures were intensified as authorities cordoned off the affected zone.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu responded immediately to the incident and conducted a high-level review by speaking to ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Nimmala Ramanaidu, Vasamshetty Subhash, district officials and senior ONGC representatives. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that there were no casualties, ordered the safe evacuation of villagers without any lapses, and instructed that the fire be brought under control at the earliest through close coordination with ONGC. He also sought continuous updates on the evolving situation and stressed the need for round-the-clock monitoring.

Officials indicated that the gas leak may have occurred during workover operations aimed at increasing production, though a detailed inquiry is yet to be conducted.

Meanwhile, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) issued an official statement confirming that the gas leak occurred during workover operations at Well Mori#5 in the Mori Field of Andhra Pradesh on Monday. 

The incident was reported by the PEC operator, Deep Industries Limited. ONGC clarified that the well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500-600 metres and that no injuries or loss of life have been reported.

The company said the area has been fully cordoned off and cooling operations have commenced. Crisis Management Teams at both central and regional levels have been mobilised. Preparatory work is underway to facilitate well-control operations and, if necessary, capping of the well. ONGC has also initiated coordination with international well-control specialists and is making arrangements for advanced well-control and casing-cutting operations, subject to detailed site assessment.

ONGC’s senior management and technical experts are closely monitoring the situation, with additional equipment being mobilised from nearby locations, including Narsapuram. The company stated that further updates would be shared as the situation evolves, even as the State administration remains on high alert to safeguard public safety.