Specialised expert teams from Delhi and Mumbai are arriving in Andhra Pradesh to help douse a major gas well fire that broke out in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district, officials said on Tuesday. The blaze, triggered by a gas leak at an ONGC-linked well, has raised serious safety concerns, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents from nearby villages and the deployment of multiple emergency response agencies.

The fire erupted around 12:40 pm on January 5 near Mori and Irusumanda villages after a gas leak was reported at the Mori-5 gas well. According to officials, the incident led to a massive jet fire shooting flames up to nearly 20 metres in height and spreading approximately 25 metres in width, creating a dramatic and dangerous situation in the rural belt of Konaseema.

Although the well is owned by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), it is currently being operated by Deep Industries Ltd, an Ahmedabad-based production enhancement contractor. ONGC clarified that while it owns the asset, operational responsibility for the Mori-5 well lies with Deep Industries, which has been managing the well for about a year.

Fire Intensity Reduced, But Risk Persists

Officials said the intensity of the blaze had reduced by Tuesday compared to Monday, offering some relief to authorities and local residents. However, the fire has not yet been fully extinguished, and flames are still visible.

Konaseema Joint Collector T Nisanthi told PTI that preliminary containment measures had helped bring down the temperature around the well but were not sufficient to put out the fire completely. “They have created a water umbrella to cool down the temperature, but the flames are still coming. That is why expert teams are being brought in. They will assess the situation and accordingly take all measures to douse the flames,” she said.

The “water umbrella” technique involves continuous high-pressure spraying of water around the fire zone to reduce ambient temperatures, prevent the spread of flames, and protect surrounding vegetation and infrastructure from catching fire. Officials confirmed that trees and foliage in the vicinity of the jet fire were being constantly sprayed with water to prevent secondary fires.

Expert Teams to Assess and Act

Highly specialised firefighting and technical teams from ONGC and associated agencies are arriving from Mumbai and Delhi to take charge of the operation. These teams typically include experts in well control, gas leak containment, and industrial fire suppression, especially for high-pressure hydrocarbon fires.

When asked about a possible timeline for fully extinguishing the blaze, Joint Collector Nisanthi said it would be premature to make predictions. “They will assess the situation first, and only based on the assessment will they be able to tell how long it may take,” she said, adding that authorities were hopeful of bringing the situation under control at the earliest.

Such assessments are critical in gas well fires, as hasty attempts to extinguish flames without stabilising pressure or sealing the leak can sometimes worsen the situation or lead to explosions. Experts usually examine factors such as gas pressure, well integrity, wind direction, and surrounding risks before deciding on the safest method to shut down the fire.

Massive Emergency Response Underway

A coordinated emergency response involving multiple agencies has been underway since the fire broke out. Personnel from the revenue department, police, fire services, ONGC, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Red Cross have been deployed at the site.

Fire tenders and water tankers have been operating continuously to keep the surrounding area cool, while police have cordoned off the affected zone to prevent unauthorised access. Medical teams have also been placed on standby as a precautionary measure.

Authorities confirmed that around 600 people from three villages located close to the gas well were evacuated on Monday as a safety measure. Evacuated residents were shifted to safer locations, where arrangements for food, water, and temporary shelter were made by the local administration.

“There is no compromise on public safety,” an official said, adding that people would be allowed to return to their homes only after experts certify that the area is safe.

Role of Deep Industries Ltd

Deep Industries Ltd, which is operating the Mori-5 well, secured a ₹1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC’s Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh, according to official records. The contract involves improving output from existing wells through advanced drilling and extraction techniques.

An ONGC official said the company has been operating the Mori-5 well for nearly a year. While the exact cause of the gas leak is still under investigation, technical experts are expected to examine whether operational, mechanical, or geological factors contributed to the incident.

Incidents such as this often trigger detailed safety audits and regulatory scrutiny, particularly when private contractors are involved in operating critical oil and gas infrastructure.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

The blaze has also raised concerns about environmental impact, especially given the proximity of villages and agricultural land. While officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, prolonged gas fires can release harmful emissions and pose long-term risks if not swiftly controlled.

Authorities said air quality and environmental conditions in the area were being monitored, and further steps would be taken based on expert advice.

Situation Under Close Watch

As expert teams take over the firefighting and containment efforts, the situation remains under close watch by both district and state authorities. The Andhra Pradesh government is in constant touch with ONGC officials and emergency responders to ensure that adequate resources and technical support are available.

“We are hoping that the flames will be doused at the earliest,” Joint Collector Nisanthi said, reiterating that all necessary measures were being taken to bring the situation under control.

The coming days will be crucial as experts assess the well and implement advanced techniques to seal the gas leak and extinguish the blaze fully, restoring normalcy to the affected villages in Konaseema district.