Irusumanda (Andhra Pradesh): The natural gas fire at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Konaseema district was finally extinguished on Saturday, five days after it erupted. The ONGC disaster management team has cleared all debris from the well site and is preparing to install a blowout preventer (fire-stopping device). Water was continuously sprayed around the well to ensure the work could be carried out safely.
What Happened
On January 5, a massive fire broke out at ONGC’s ‘Mori-5’ well near Mori and Irusumanda villages due to a gas leak. The flames reached a height of 20 meters and a width of 25 meters. ONGC’s crisis management teams used modern equipment and vehicles from the Narsapuram unit to extinguish the fire. The entire operation was led by ONGC Director Vikram Saxena and team head Srihari. Compensation for Coconut Farmers
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by ONGC, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial survey of the gas leak site on Friday. Following this, he held a review meeting with ONGC officials, the district administration, and local leaders. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that farmers whose coconut trees were destroyed in the incident receive compensation as soon as possible.
How the Fire Started
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when repair work was underway on the closed well, and a sudden, powerful leak of crude oil and gas began. When the pressure control system in an oil or gas well fails, it results in an uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas, which is called a “blowout.”
No Loss of Life or Property
Dense clouds of gas and smoke spread like fog in Irusumanda and surrounding villages, creating panic among the residents. Officials evacuated more than 500 people from the village to relief camps. ONGC stated that there were no reports of injuries or fatalities in the incident. According to the company, the well is located in a remote area, and there are no human settlements within a 500-600 meter radius.
