Gas leak and fire at ONGC oil well trigger evacuation in Andhra village
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A major gas leak from an operational ONGC oil well triggered panic and a mass evacuation in Irusumanda village in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the Razole area while repair work was underway using a workover rig after the well had temporarily halted production. During the operation, a sudden blowout released a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which shot high into the air, officials said.
The leaked gas soon caught fire, with flames erupting at the site. Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across Irusumanda and nearby areas, resembling dense fog and raising fears among residents.
As a precaution, authorities made announcements through loudspeakers asking residents of three nearby villages to avoid using electricity, switching on appliances, or lighting stoves to prevent further ignition. Panchayat officials and the local administration urged villagers to evacuate immediately.
Many residents left their homes and moved their cattle to safer locations as the situation remained tense.
ONGC personnel rushed to the spot to control the gas leak and contain the fire. The area has been cordoned off, and emergency measures are in place to ensure public safety.
Senior district officials and ONGC officials are at the site monitoring the situation closely.