A major gas leak at an ONGC oil well in Irusumanda village, Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh, yesterday, caused a fire and mass evacuation. The incident occurred at the Mori‑5 well, operated by Deep Industries Ltd under ONGC, during routine drilling and maintenance work.
During the operations, a blowout released large volumes of gas mixed with crude oil, which quickly caught fire, producing a towering flame and thick smoke visible from nearby villages and fields. The sudden blaze caused panic among local residents.
Authorities immediately evacuated villagers from Irusumanda, Gudapalli, and Lakkavaram, moving around 600 people to relief centers set up nearby. Schools in the affected area were temporarily closed as a precaution. Residents were advised to stay away from the site, avoid using electricity or flames, and follow safety instructions.
Firefighters and emergency teams, including at least 10 fire tenders, worked to contain the fire. They used water curtains and cooling techniques to prevent the fire from spreading to equipment and surrounding fields. ONGC’s crisis management team and international well-control specialists are assisting to stabilize the well and prepare for capping operations once conditions are safe.
Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Officials emphasized that the well is located in a relatively remote area, keeping nearby villages at a safe distance from the main site of the fire.
State officials, including authorities from Andhra Pradesh, are monitoring the situation closely. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact technical cause of the blowout and to ensure measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in future drilling operations.
Authorities have assured that all necessary safety precautions are being implemented until the well is fully secured.
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