ONGC Mobilises Crisis Teams After Gas Leak Triggers Fire at Well in Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati, Jan 2026 : State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has mobilised its crisis management machinery after a major fire broke out following a gas leak at one of its wells in Andhra Pradesh’s Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday, triggering panic in nearby villages.

According to ONGC, the incident occurred during workover operations at the Mori-5 well in the Mori field. The gas leakage was reported by the private operator PEC, Deep Industries Limited, which was carrying out repair work at the site. The well had temporarily halted production, and a workover rig was being used when the sudden blowout took place.

ONGC said preparatory work is currently underway to facilitate well control and, if required, capping of the well. “The area has been cordoned off, cooling operations have commenced, and ONGC has mobilised the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and Regional Crisis Management Team (RCMT). Preparatory work is in progress to facilitate well control and, if required, capping of the well,” the company said in a statement.

The company clarified that the well is located in a remote area, with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500 to 600 metres. No injuries or loss of life have been reported so far. ONGC has also initiated coordination with international well-control specialists and has begun mobilisation arrangements to support advanced well-control and casing-cutting operations, subject to site assessment.

ONGC’s senior management and technical experts are closely monitoring the situation, while additional equipment is being moved to the site from nearby ONGC installations, including Narsapuram.

Meanwhile, Ambedkar Konaseema district Collector Mahesh Kumar said fire services personnel were making sustained efforts to control the blaze. He noted that it may take up to 24 hours to fully assess whether the fire can be brought completely under control. As a precaution, students from schools in nearby villages have been evacuated, and residents have been advised to remain alert.

The Collector said all necessary support is being extended to ONGC to manage the situation. He also clarified that the Mori-5 well has no connection with the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) pipeline and is an independent installation. Preliminary estimates suggest that the well may contain between 20 and 40 cubic metres of natural gas.

The incident caused widespread panic in Irusumanda and surrounding villages in Malikipuram Mandal. Officials said the crude-mixed gas erupted forcefully, shooting high into the air before catching fire. Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across nearby areas like dense fog, while massive flames rapidly engulfed coconut groves near the site. Around 500 coconut trees were reportedly reduced to ashes.

Authorities began evacuating residents within a five-kilometre radius as a safety measure. Announcements were made through loudspeakers advising people in at least three villages to avoid using electricity, switching on appliances, or lighting stoves to prevent further ignition.

Fire services personnel, police, and officials from various departments rushed to the spot as villagers fled their homes in fear after witnessing huge flames and hearing loud explosions. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu enquired about the incident and spoke to ministers K. Atchannaidu and Vasamsetti Subhash, as well as senior officials. The ministers informed the Chief Minister that relief and safety measures were being intensified. The CM directed officials to ensure the safety of villagers, evacuate them to secure locations, and bring the gas leak under control at the earliest while maintaining close coordination with ONGC and district authorities.

Team Maverick.