Amalapuram, 6 January (HS): A gas leak at an ONGC-operated oil well in Andhra Pradesh’s Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district triggered a massive fire on Monday, causing panic among villagers, officials said.
The incident occurred at the Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village, where production enhancement work is being carried out by ONGC’s contractor, Deep Industries Ltd. According to preliminary findings, there were no reports of deaths or injuries.
Officials said the fire broke out around 12.30 pm after gas leaked from a pipeline during ongoing operations. The leaking gas subsequently caught fire, with flames shooting over 100 feet into the air. Nearby coconut plantations were engulfed, while thick smoke spread across surrounding villages.
Senior ONGC officials rushed from Rajahmundry to the site to assess the situation and ascertain the cause of the incident. Fire department teams were deployed, and efforts are underway to bring the blaze under control, officials said.
As a precaution, residents within a five-kilometre radius were evacuated. Authorities made announcements through loudspeakers advising people in nearby villages to avoid using electricity, stoves, or other electrical appliances. Officials said around 500 coconut trees were damaged, and there were concerns over possible impact on nearby aqua ponds.
The District Collector, Superintendent of Police and local MP are monitoring the situation. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident and directed officials to intensify relief measures, ensure safe relocation of residents and prevent inconvenience to villagers.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
