Massive gas leak at ONGC well in Konaseema village triggers fire; no casualties

Amaravati: A massive gas leak at an ONGC drilling site in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district triggered a major fire on Monday, prompting the evacuation of nearby villages and causing widespread concern among residents.

Fortunately, no deaths or casualties were reported.

Gas spewed for two hours before catching fire

The gas leak was reported from the ONGC Mori-5 well at Irusumanda village in Malikipuram mandal, where gas reportedly spewed upwards for nearly two hours before catching fire.

Revenue officials immediately swung into action and evacuated residents as a precautionary measure.

Tahsildar Srinivasa Rao visited the spot and said higher ONGC authorities had been informed. Technical experts from ONGC are reaching the site to contain the leak and control the fire.

500 coconut trees destroyed

The blaze has caused extensive damage to coconut plantations, with locals estimating that more than 500 coconut trees were destroyed. Residents also reported hearing loud noises in the surrounding areas, adding to their anxiety.

The District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the local MP are closely monitoring the situation at the scene. Officials said people living within a 5-km radius of the affected area are being evacuated to ensure their safety.

CM Naidu orders relief and evacuation efforts

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu took stock of the incident and spoke to Ministers Atchannaidu and Subhash, along with senior officials. The ministers briefed the Chief Minister on the gas leak and the relief measures being taken.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to intensify relief and evacuation efforts, ensure that villagers do not face any hardship, and shift them to safe locations. He also ordered immediate steps to bring the fire under control and instructed district officials to maintain close coordination with ONGC officials.

The CM further asked officials to keep him updated on the situation at regular intervals.

ONGC brings in international control specialists

ONGC has 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. Further updates will be shared as the situation evolves.