A major fire broke out at an oil well operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district on Sunday, triggering panic in nearby villages as flames shot nearly 20 metres into the air following a gas leak and sudden explosion at the site. The incident, which occurred in the Razole area, prompted large-scale evacuations, emergency firefighting operations, and the deployment of district administration and ONGC officials to prevent further escalation.
The fire originated at the Mori-5 oil well on the afternoon of January 5, when routine production was temporarily halted for repair work. During the process, a sudden blast caused gas and crude oil to gush out rapidly, and within minutes the leaking gas caught fire, intensifying the blaze and creating a towering column of flames visible from several kilometres away.
villages evacuated as gas leak triggers emergency response
As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated residents from three villages located within a four-kilometre radius of the oil well. People from Irusumanda, Gudapalli, and Lakkavaram were moved to safer locations amid fears of further explosions or the spread of fire. According to ONGC officials, around 600 people were shifted to relief camps, and two schools in the vicinity were closed to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by gas and crude oil erupting forcefully from the well. The fire intensified rapidly, prompting immediate action from the fire brigade and local police, who reached the site and cordoned off the area. Visuals from the scene showed thick smoke and towering flames, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
The district administration issued safety advisories through loudspeakers in surrounding areas, urging residents to switch off electrical connections, avoid using gas stoves, and refrain from operating electronic devices to reduce the risk of secondary fires or explosions. Authorities stressed that these precautions were necessary given the volatile nature of the gas leak and the ongoing firefighting operations.
firefighting operations, relief measures, and operator details
Nearly ten fire brigade vehicles were deployed to control the blaze and carry out cooling operations around the affected well. ONGC said the area has been sealed, and specialised teams are monitoring pressure levels and fire behaviour. Officials added that the well would be capped if required, depending on how the situation develops. As of the latest update, no deaths or injuries have been reported, offering some relief amid the tense circumstances.
Senior district officials, along with ONGC personnel, remain stationed at the site to oversee containment efforts and ensure coordination between emergency services. Food and drinking water arrangements have been made at relief camps for evacuated residents, with authorities assuring continued support until it is safe for people to return to their homes.
The Mori-5 well is being operated by Deep Industries Limited, an Ahmedabad-based firm working on behalf of ONGC. The company secured a ₹1,402 crore contract in 2024 to enhance production at ONGC’s Rajahmundry asset. Deep Industries specialises in boosting output from ageing oil and gas wells, gas compression, and drilling services. It is a listed company with a market capitalisation of around ₹2,774 crore and counts ONGC and Oil India among its major clients.
Authorities have indicated that a detailed investigation will be conducted once the fire is fully controlled to determine the exact cause of the explosion and gas leak. The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with oil and gas extraction operations and the importance of strict safety protocols, especially during maintenance and repair work.
For now, the focus remains on extinguishing the fire, securing the well, and ensuring the safety of evacuated residents. Officials said continuous monitoring is underway and further updates will be shared as the situation evolves.
