Mori (Andhra Pradesh): A gas leak at the ONGC-operated Mori-5 oil well in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district caused a fire on Monday, prompting mass evacuations in nearby villages. The well, operated by ONGC’s production contractor Deep Industries Ltd, had temporarily halted production for repair work. During these operations, a blowout released a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which caught fire, sending flames high into the air.

Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across Mori village, Irusumanda, and surrounding areas, alarming residents and authorities alike. Local officials urged villagers of three nearby settlements to avoid using electricity, lighting stoves, or switching on appliances to prevent further ignition. Many residents evacuated immediately and moved their cattle to safety.
 

Preliminary reports indicate no casualties or injuries, an ONGC official said. Senior ONGC personnel from Rajahmundry and district authorities rushed to the site to control the leak, contain the fire, and monitor developments. The area has been cordoned off, with emergency measures in place to ensure public safety.

“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,” an ONGC official told PTI.

Deep Industries Ltd, a Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) for ONGC, won a ₹1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement at the Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh. The company has been operating the Mori-5 well for about a year.

Senior district officials and ONGC management are on site, closely monitoring the situation and coordinating firefighting and safety operations.

(With PTI inputs)