Andhra Pradesh: Massive gas leak at ONGC well in Konaseema triggers fire; villagers in panic

NEW DELHI: A gas pipeline leak at a well in Andhra Pradesh's Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district triggered a fire on Monday at a site operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) production contractor, Deep Industries Ltd.No deaths or injuries were reported in the incident, according to preliminary information shared by an official of the Maharatna company.Senior officials of the ONGC from Rajahmundry rushed to Mori village after the blaze broke out at the Mori-5 well, the official told news agency PTI.“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,” the official told."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.ONGC officials have reached the site to assess the situation and analyse the cause of the incident, he added.The Konaseema district administration is also at the spot and is coordinating firefighting efforts and safety measures to prevent any escalation, officials said.Deep Industries Ltd, a Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) of ONGC, had secured a Rs 1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC’s Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh, according to reports.The company has been operating the Mori-5 well for about a year, the official said.