Konaseema gas leak: Here is a blow-by-blow account of the incident that triggered panic

Konaseema: Hundreds of residents fled their homes after a gas leak at the ONGC-operated Mori-5 drilling site led to a blowout in Irusumanda village of Malikipuram Mandal on Monday.

The incident occurred after gas pressure was reportedly underestimated during drilling operations. Fortunately, no deaths or casualties were reported.

What Happened?

The gas leak began around 11.30 am at the Mori-5 well in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Within an hour, by 12.35 pm, the situation escalated into a massive fire, with flames shooting nearly 30 metres into the air, accompanied by loud explosions. The blaze continued well into the night.

According to officials, the Mori-5 site has been producing gas and oil since 1993. Over time, the pressure in the well declined, and water ingress increased. In 2024, the lease was handed over to Deep Industries Limited for further extraction.

Recently, logging tool testing involving a controlled blasting process was undertaken at a depth of around 2,100 metres. On Monday, gas unexpectedly surged out at an extreme pressure of nearly 2,500 psi. Attempts to contain the surge by pumping chemical mud failed as the pressure exceeded control limits, resulting in an uncontrolled blowout. The gas escaped beyond the capacity of the Blowout Preventer (BOP), leading to intense friction, fire, and two explosions.

Major disaster averted :

Sensing the danger, personnel at the site were immediately evacuated, narrowly avoiding casualties. Officials said that the fire and gas spread simultaneously that several lives could have been lost.

Authorities swung into action after the massive gas leak was reported. Warnings were issued to Irusumanda village, home to about 2,100 people, and nearby Lakkavaram. Residents were evacuated to safer locations, schools were closed, and three rehabilitation camps were set up in Lakkavaram with food and essential supplies.

Loss in Crores :

District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar, SP Rahul Meena, and other officials visited the site and supervised relief operations till evening.

Preliminary estimates suggest losses running into hundreds of crores of rupees. The drilling rig, logging tools, and heavy vehicles belonging to Deep Industries were destroyed.

Locals reported that nearly 500 coconut trees were burnt, with extensive damage to crops and aquaculture. The full extent of losses will be assessed once the fire is brought under control.

Officials estimate that the gas reserves in the well range between 20,000 and 40,000 cubic metres. They said the fire would be difficult to extinguish until the internal pressure reduces, which could take several days. Plans are in place to divert water from the nearby Gudapalli-1 canal for firefighting, and a well cap may be deployed if the blaze is not controlled within 24 hours.

Hot winds spread :

Firefighting operations were intensified with the deployment of two advanced water tenders and four fire engines, along with 50 personnel, including senior officers. ONGC also rushed 20 officers, 60 fire personnel, additional water tenders, and 20 engineers from its Narasapuram unit to the site.

Temperatures in a half-kilometre radius soared above 50 degrees Celsius, turning the normally cool Konaseema region into a zone of scorching hot winds. Power supply was also cut in nearby villages as a precaution.

Statement by ONGC:

ONGC, in a statement from Delhi, said disaster management teams were deployed, and coordination was underway with domestic and international experts. Cooling operations are being carried out without allowing personnel near the well.

The Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu directed authorities to intensify relief and evacuation efforts, ensure that villagers do not face any hardship, and shift them to safe locations. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan instructed authorities to stock medicines and distribute blankets at relief camps, while urging residents to remain cautious.

Similar Incidents in the past:

Komarada Blowout – 1993

A major blowout occurred on March 20, 1993, at the Komarada-1 drilling site located in the eastern part of the Kadali range in Rajolu mandal. Crude oil that gushed out spread into the nearby Kadali drain and caught fire at multiple locations, destroying thousands of coconut trees. After intense efforts lasting 26 days, the well was permanently sealed through a well-killing operation.

Pasarlapudi Blowout – 1995

On January 8, 1995, a blowout during drilling at the Pasarlapudi-1 & 9 well in Devalanka village of Allavaram mandal sent shockwaves across the region. Flames continued to rage for nearly 65 days, creating widespread fear. Eventually, the situation was brought under control after the Blowout Preventer (BOP) was successfully closed.

Devarapalli Gas Leak – 1997

A gas blowout was reported on February 19, 1997, at a drilling site in Devarapalli near Ravulapalem. Gas and oil spread into nearby residential areas with a roar, triggering panic among residents. Authorities managed to contain the incident within five days, bringing it under control by February 24.

Uppudi Gas Explosion – 2020

On February 2, 2020, a gas explosion occurred at a drilling site in Uppudi village of Katrenikona mandal. Terrified residents rushed out of their homes as the blast rocked the area. A specialized team of ONGC experts worked continuously for three days to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation.

GAIL Pipeline Tragedy – 2014

One of the deadliest industrial disasters in the region occurred on June 27, 2014, when a GAIL trunk pipeline exploded in Mangodikuduru mandal. The blast claimed 22 lives, while 18 others sustained severe injuries. Extensive property damage was reported, and the tragedy sent shockwaves across the nation.