GAS LEAK triggers massive fire at ONGC Oil Well in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema, Mass evacuation in three villages

Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh: A fire broke out in the operational Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) oil well in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district on Monday.  
The Oil well located in Irusumanda village of Konaseema’s Razole area was being repaired using a workover rig after it had temporarily halted production. 
During the repairs, a powerful blowout released a massive volume of gas, which then mixed with crude oil and shot high into the air. 

Leaked Gas Caught Fire  

Local officials said the leaked gas soon caught fire, with flames erupting at the site, alarming both villagers and authorities. Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across Irusumanda and the surrounding areas like dense fog, officials said.  

Residents nearby reported that the area quickly became covered in dense white clouds and smoke, with little to no visibility, raising concerns and panic. Panchayat officials and local administration urged villagers to evacuate the area immediately. As a result, many residents fled their homes and moved their cattle.  

Mass Evacuation Conducted  

Authorities issued announcements via loudspeakers instructing residents of the three nearby villages to avoid using electricity, lighting stoves, or switching on appliances to avoid any further ignition. ONGC personnel rushed to the scene upon hearing the news to control the leak and contain the fire. Authorities have since cordoned off the area and are closely monitoring for further developments.  

Noticing the commotion, the district administration ordered the evacuation of Irusumanda and three neighbouring villages. People were shifted to safer locations under police supervision, and entry into the affected zone was strictly prohibited.  
Fire and emergency services were rushed to the site, and firefighting operations are ongoing to subdue the fire. ONGC’s response team is working to cap the leak and bring the blaze under control. 

ONGC’S Statement Released  

In the statement, ONGC said authorities were still trying to control the fire. An incident of a gas leak during the workover operations at Well Mori#5 was reported by the PEC Operator Deep Industries Limited, for the Mori Field in Andhra Pradesh, on 5 January 2026. The well is in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500–600 metres. The area has hence been sealed off, cooling operations commenced, and ONGC has mobilised the Crisis Management Teams (CMT and RCMT),” the statement said. 

It also added: “Preparatory work is in progress to facilitate well-control and, if required, capping of the well. ONGC has also initiated coordination with international well-control specialists, including 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, with additional equipment being mobilised from nearby locations, including Narsapuram.” 

ONGC Secured A Well Production Contract In 2024 

The oil well is a part of ONGC’s Rajahmundry asset and is operated by Deep Industries Limited. The company secured a contract worth approximately ₹1,402 to enhance production from several wells in the region in 2024.  
Officials said it is too early to determine whether the incident was caused by a technical failure or human error, and a detailed investigation will be conducted. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported. 

ONGC operates through its Rajahmundry Onshore Asset and Eastern Offshore Asset in the state, having a hand in producing gas, crude oil, and associated hydrocarbons from multiple offshore rigs in the Bay of Bengal and onshore fields in East Godavari. 

Despite such a dangerous incident, the fact that there was no loss of life and no one was injured is a very positive aspect. Timely response and responsible administration helped ease the dire effects in the remote area. 

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Response  

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu immediately responded to the incident. He spoke to Ministers Atchannaidu and Nimmala Ramanaidu and district officials over the phone to review the situation.  
The Chief Minister instructed them to ensure that no harm comes to the people and that there are no shortcomings in shifting the affected people to safe areas. He also advised them to coordinate with ONGC to bring the fire under control quickly and requested regular updates on the situation. However, officials initially believed that this leak may have occurred as part of the efforts to increase production. 

Given the proximity of the well to residential areas and environmentally sensitive zones in the Konaseema region, environmental and safety experts have also been alerted. Authorities said evacuated residents will be allowed to return only after the fire is fully extinguished and the area is declared safe. Further updates are expected as containment efforts progress.