Is the Fire at the ONGC Well in Andhra Still Burning After Four Days?
Synopsis
The ONGC well fire in Andhra Pradesh has now raged for four days, prompting significant efforts from ONGC teams to control the situation. As the flames subside, residents are cautiously returning, while authorities manage the ongoing crisis. This incident underscores the challenges associated with oil and gas operations.
Key Takeaways
The fire at the ONGC well has been ongoing for four days.
Efforts to control the blowout are making progress.
Residents have returned to their homes after initial evacuations.
Firefighters continue to manage the situation with water sprays.
ONGC is following an approved crisis management plan.
Amaravati, Jan 8 (NationPress) The fire has been ablaze for the fourth straight day on Thursday at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) well located in Andhra Pradesh's Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.
Teams from ONGC are persistently working to control the blowout at the Mori-5 well in Irusumanda Village, Malkipuram Mandal.
With the fire's intensity diminishing, ONGC personnel have managed to advance about 10 meters closer to the well to enact the blowout control strategy.
Firefighters continue to spray water over the well, and it may require several more days to completely extinguish the flames.
On Wednesday, ONGC reported notable advancements in their blowout control efforts. The state-run company is diligently executing focused operations at Well Mori-5, managed by PEC contractor Deep Industries.
Current observations include decreasing fire intensity, noise levels, and surrounding ambient heat. Given the steady progress and the unlikely chance of escalation, the district administration has permitted local residents to return to their regular activities.
The Crisis Management Team of ONGC is continuing operations in line with the approved blowout control plan.
A new access road has been established from the rear of the well site to aid in debris clearance, and necessary logistics have been organized for systematic debris removal.
A water blanket is now in place at the well site to assist with ongoing debris removal around the wellhead, facilitating further operations to cap the wellhead as outlined in the action plan.
The incident began when crude-mixed gas unexpectedly erupted on Monday afternoon during repair activities involving a workover rig after the well had temporarily ceased production.
This significant blowout released a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil, shooting high into the air. Dense clouds of gas and smoke enveloped Irusumanda and nearby villages, causing widespread panic.
Authorities relocated over 500 residents to relief camps, but following guidance from the district administration, they have now returned home.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to report on incidents like the ongoing fire at the ONGC well in Andhra Pradesh with utmost transparency and accuracy. This situation highlights the importance of safety protocols in oil and gas operations and emphasizes the need for effective crisis management strategies.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at the ONGC well?
The fire erupted due to a blowout of crude-mixed gas while repair work was being conducted.
How many days has the fire been burning?
The fire has been burning for four consecutive days.
What measures are being taken to control the fire?
ONGC teams are working on a blowout control plan and using water to extinguish the flames.
Have residents been evacuated?
Yes, over 500 residents were initially relocated, but they have since returned home following safety assessments.
Is the fire under control?
While the intensity of the fire has decreased, efforts are ongoing to fully extinguish it.
