A gas pipeline leak at an ONGC-operated well in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, sparked a fire on January 5, 2026. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties or injuries.
The incident occurred at the Mori-5 well, located in Irusumanda village, Razole area, during repair work involving a workover rig. ONGC’s production contractor, Deep Industries Ltd, was conducting production enhancement operations when a blowout released a significant volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which ignited and resulted in a large blaze.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out during scheduled repairs, which followed a temporary halt in production at the well. The sudden blowout caused gas and crude oil to shoot high into the air, sparking the fire. ONGC officials from Rajahmundry rushed to the scene to manage the situation, along with fire and police personnel.
Local authorities acted swiftly, evacuating nearby villagers from Mori and surrounding areas due to the potential danger. Many residents moved their cattle to safer locations while firefighting operations were carried out. Balakrishna, a fire department official, noted that the villagers were in a state of panic due to the severity of the situation.
Efforts to Control the Fire
The ONGC team, along with local fire and police personnel, is actively working to douse the flames and ensure the safety of the residents. Deep Industries Ltd, which has been operating the Mori-5 well for nearly a year, is under investigation to determine the exact cause of the blowout and fire.
The well is part of a ₹1,402-crore contract awarded to Deep Industries Ltd in 2024 to enhance production at ONGC’s Rajahmundry Asset. The company has been handling the well’s operations as part of the broader production enhancement project for ONGC in the region.
Local Administration and Response
Local administration officials, along with emergency responders, are coordinating efforts to control the fire and manage the evacuation of affected villagers. Authorities are also closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential environmental impact caused by the fire and gas leak.
As the situation remains tense, the incident has raised concerns over the safety protocols in place for oil and gas operations in the region.
