• Source:JND

Andhra Gas Leak: A gas pipeline leak and subsequent fire at an operational Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) oil well in the Razole area of Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district on Monday lead to authorities issuing safety alerts.

Evacuation instructions were issued in Irusumanda village after a powerful blowout ejected a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil into the air during repair works being carried out after the ONGC oil well stopped production temporarily.

The leaked gas immediately caught fire following which thick smoke covered the village and surrounding areas alarming the residents. No casualties were reported.

"A massive gas leak occurred in Irusumanda village of Malkipuram mandal. Local residents informed ONGC officials about the incident. ONGC officials, along with fire and police personnel, are dousing the fire. Villagers are in a state of panic and fear. Further details are awaited," Balakrishna, Fire department officer told ANI.

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To avoid the fire from spreading further, authorities asked residents of three villages to not use electrical appliances and stoves till the situation was brought under control.

“The fire occurred due to a gas pipeline leakage at the Mori-5 well, which is operated by Deep Industries Ltd as part of production enhancement operations,” a senior official told news agency PTI. 

Village-level officials, along with the district administration, issued alerts asking residents to leave the area without delay. Several families abandoned their homes and shifted their livestock to safer locations as panic gripped the region.

Teams from ONGC reached the site soon after to contain the gas leak and bring the flames under control. The affected zone has been sealed off, and officials said the situation is under constant watch.

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Top district authorities and senior ONGC representatives are currently present at the location, overseeing operations and assessing the ground situation.


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