A sudden fire at an ONGC-operated oil well in Andhra Pradesh’s Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema district triggered panic in the surrounding area on Monday, though preliminary reports confirmed that no deaths or injuries occurred. The blaze broke out at the Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village, Razole area, while repair work was underway, prompting local authorities to swiftly mobilize emergency and safety measures.

According to an official from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the fire occurred during workover operations, which are routine maintenance procedures conducted after temporary halts in production. During the repair process, a powerful blowout caused a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil to shoot high into the air, resulting in a sudden and alarming blaze.

“The area has been cordoned off, cooling operations commenced, and ONGC has mobilized Crisis Management Teams,” the official said, adding that senior management and technical experts were closely monitoring the situation. Preparatory steps for well-control and potential capping of the well are underway to ensure the incident is contained safely.

The local administration and Panchayat officials were on-site, coordinating firefighting efforts and safety measures, while residents of the surrounding area were instructed to evacuate immediately. Many villagers moved themselves and their livestock to safer locations amid fears of the fire spreading. Balakrishna, a fire department official, told ANI, “Villagers are in a state of panic and fear.”

Response by ONGC and Contractor

The Mori-5 well is operated by Deep Industries Ltd, a Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) for ONGC, which had secured a ₹1,402-crore contract in 2024 at the Rajahmundry asset. The company has been managing the well for about a year.

Senior officials from ONGC’s Rajahmundry division rushed to the site to assess the situation and supervise mitigation measures. The corporation emphasized that cooling operations have begun, and all necessary precautionary steps were being taken to prevent further escalation.

The Konaseema district administration worked alongside ONGC to maintain cordons around the site, facilitate evacuation, and coordinate safety protocols. No casualties or injuries have been reported as of now, and the company reassured that technical teams are working around the clock to bring the well under control.

Background: Blowouts and Well Operations

Blowouts are a recognized hazard in the oil and gas industry, often occurring when pressurized oil and gas escape uncontrolled during drilling or maintenance operations. Workover operations, such as those being conducted at Mori-5, involve repairing or enhancing production capacity of a well, and while generally routine, they carry inherent risks if pressure control is lost.

ONGC, as a Maharatna public sector company, has strict safety protocols in place for such incidents. According to the statement released, the company’s Crisis Management Teams and senior technical experts are coordinating closely with local authorities to contain the situation and prevent environmental or human harm.

Impact on Local Residents

The fire caused immediate panic among villagers, who were advised to evacuate their homes and relocate cattle to safer areas. Local reports noted that the fire was visible from several kilometers away, intensifying concerns among residents. Authorities emphasized that the area remains under control, and efforts are being made to calm and reassure locals while technical measures to cap the well are executed.

Officials confirmed that the well is situated in a densely populated region of the Konaseema delta, making swift intervention and crowd management essential. The proactive evacuation of villagers and the presence of ONGC and district officials have so far prevented injuries or fatalities.

Contractor Profile: Deep Industries Ltd

Deep Industries Ltd is a Production Enhancement Contractor for ONGC, responsible for managing wells under its contract. The company won the Mori-5 well contract in 2024, valued at ₹1,402 crore, as part of ONGC’s ongoing production enhancement initiatives in the Rajahmundry Asset area. The firm’s responsibilities include routine maintenance, production optimization, and emergency response coordination.

This incident highlights the risks associated with high-pressure oil and gas wells, even under controlled operational conditions. The collaboration between ONGC, Deep Industries Ltd, and local authorities has been critical in preventing injuries and minimizing environmental impact.

Current Status

As of now, the fire at Mori-5 well remains active, though under controlled conditions. ONGC has stated that well-control measures and potential capping operations are being prepared. The company continues to monitor the situation closely, with senior engineers and crisis management personnel on-site to ensure safety and operational containment.

Local authorities continue to coordinate evacuations and safety protocols, ensuring that villagers remain at a safe distance while emergency operations proceed. The administration has also been in regular contact with ONGC to assess environmental and community safety measures.

Conclusion

The Mori-5 well fire in Konaseema underscores the critical importance of operational safety in oil and gas production. Despite the sudden blowout, proactive measures by ONGC and local authorities ensured that no casualties were reported, and residents were safely evacuated.

The situation remains under observation, with ONGC and its contractor Deep Industries Ltd leading efforts to control the fire and prevent any escalation. The incident also serves as a reminder of the vigilance and rapid response required in managing high-risk energy infrastructure, particularly in densely populated regions like Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema delta.

Authorities and ONGC have assured the public that safety remains the highest priority and are expected to release further updates as containment and well-capping operations progress.