KAKINADA : A major gas leak followed by a fire at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village of Malikipuram mandal in BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, triggered widespread panic on Monday morning, forcing the evacuation of people from nearby villages.
The incident occurred during repair operations being carried out by Deep Industries Ltd, ONGC’s Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC).
According to officials, the blowout occurred while drilling work was underway, releasing large volumes of gas mixed with crude oil. The gas spread across the site in a thick, fog-like cloud, initially mistaken for mist by workers. Soon after, the leaked gas ignited, producing towering flames and dense smoke that engulfed parts of the village and surrounding fields.
District Collector Mahesh Kumar Ravirala, Superintendent of Police Rahul Meena, and other senior officials rushed to the site. Acting on the Collector’s instructions, revenue authorities took up the evacuation of people from Irusumanda, Lakkavaram, Chintalapudi and Bathilanka villages. Rehabilitation centres were set up to provide food and shelter to the evacuated families. The exact number of evacuees has not yet been confirmed.
Around 10 fire tenders were deployed to battle the blaze, while disaster management teams worked to contain the situation. Videos circulating on social media showed police and workers fleeing as flames rose amid paddy fields and coconut groves, with thick smoke visible across the Godavari delta.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with ministers K Atchannaidu and Vasamsetti Subhash, directing officials to intensify relief measures and ensure villagers were shifted to safer locations without inconvenience. He stressed the importance of continuous coordination between the district administration and ONGC authorities to bring the flames under control swiftly.
ONGC confirmed the blowout in a press release, stating that the well is located in a remote area with no habitation within a 500-600 metre radius. The affected zone has been cordoned off and cooling operations have begun. Crisis Management Teams (CMT and RCMT) have been mobilised, and preparatory work is underway to regain well control and, if necessary, cap the well, ONGC said.
No casualties due to blowout, says ONGC
To strengthen the response, ONGC has initiated coordination with international well-control specialists, including arrangements for advanced operations such as casing cutting. Additional equipment is being mobilised from nearby locations, including Narsapuram and Rustumbada in West Godavari district. Senior management and technical experts are closely monitoring developments.
Deep Industries Ltd, which has been operating the Mori-5 well for about a year, secured a `1,402 crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC’s Rajahmundry Asset.
ONGC confirmed that no casualties have been reported. It assured that firefighting and safety measures will continue.