A major fire that erupted at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) crude oil well in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district has finally been brought under control after an intense five-day operation. The blowout incident, which sent flames shooting 20 meters into the air, prompted the evacuation of hundreds of local residents.
Chronology of the Konaseema District Blowout
The emergency began on January 5, 2025, during routine maintenance operations. The well is located near Irusumanda and Mori villages in the Konaseema region. According to officials, the explosion occurred during perforation activity, a critical phase of drilling operations. The site had been explored earlier by ONGC and was later abandoned before being subleased.
Swift Response and Evacuation
ONGC activated its internal crisis management team immediately after the blowout. The corporation deployed specialized personnel and advanced equipment to the site to manage the escalating situation. The primary focus was on achieving a rapid and safe containment to prevent any loss of life.
The scale of the fire necessitated urgent safety measures. Authorities moved swiftly to evacuate more than 500 people from the surrounding villages and areas close to the well. The successful evacuation effort ensured that there were no fatalities or injuries reported from the mishap, a significant relief for the local community and responders.
Current Status and Contractual Background
Konaseema district joint collector T Nisanthi confirmed that the situation is now fully under control. "The blowout has been fully controlled. There are almost no flames now. Only operations pertaining to capping of the gas well and other technical works are underway now," she stated.
The well's recent history involves a sublease agreement. In September 2024, ONGC awarded a ₹1,402 crore contract to Deep Industries Ltd, a production enhancement contractor. The 15-year contract was for the enhancement of production from ONGC's test gas reserves at the site. Deep Industries Ltd provides integrated oilfield services including gas compression, drilling, and dehydration.
Path Forward and Safety Review
With the flames extinguished, the focus has shifted to the technical closure of the well. Teams are now engaged in the complex process of capping the gas well and securing the site to prevent any recurrence. The incident is likely to trigger a thorough review of safety protocols during drilling and maintenance operations, especially at reactivated or subleased sites.
The effective containment, despite the initial intensity of the fire, highlights the importance of prepared crisis management frameworks in the high-risk oil and gas sector. The incident in Rajahmundry serves as a critical reminder of the inherent risks in hydrocarbon exploration and the need for unwavering safety vigilance.
