ONGC Gas Blowout Causes Fire Alarm in Andhra Village

An alarming gas leak from an ONGC oil well in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district caused panic on Monday, after a blowout ignited during repair efforts.

The incident took place at an oil well in Irusumanda village, situated within the Razole mandal. According to officials, production had been temporarily halted for maintenance using a workover rig. During the process, a sudden blowout released gas mixed with crude oil, propelling it into the atmosphere.

Fire ensued almost immediately, sending flames high above and alarming the residents of surrounding villages. Thick plumes of gas and smoke enveloped Irusumanda and adjacent areas, rapidly reducing visibility, akin to a dense fog.

In response, local authorities made multiple announcements via loudspeakers, warning residents across at least three nearby villages to refrain from using electrical devices, lighting stoves, or operating appliances to avoid igniting the gas.

Panchayat officials and district representatives urged villagers to evacuate promptly. Many residents hurriedly left their homes, relocating livestock and essential belongings to safer areas amid escalating tension.

Emergency response teams from ONGC quickly arrived at the scene to manage the gas leak and control the fire. The affected area was cordoned off, and continuous monitoring is in effect to ensure no further complications arise.

Senior officials from the district administration and ONGC engineers are currently on-site, supervising safety and containment operations.

ONGC operates extensively in the Krishna-Godavari delta region, extracting natural gas, crude oil, and associated hydrocarbons through its varied assets, both onshore and offshore. The company manages multiple fields connected by a comprehensive pipeline network, delivering processed gas to national transmission systems and crude oil for refining purposes.

Authorities have confirmed that emergency protocols will remain in effect until the situation is fully under control.