For the second day in a row, a massive gas blowout at ONGC’s Mori-5 well in Andhra Pradesh’s Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district continued to flare, raising serious safety concerns. Flames rising more than 100 feet into the air have filled parts of Razole town with thick black smoke.
Firefighting teams worked through the night to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading. Officials are focusing on cooling the wellhead and protecting nearby coconut plantations and aquaculture ponds. High-pressure water pipes brought from Narsapuram are being used to create a “water umbrella" around the well to contain the fire.
A specialised crisis management team from Delhi is arriving to lead well-control operations. International experts are also being consulted to help bring the situation under control. Authorities said it could take at least 24 hours to stop the gas leak.
The fire broke out during re-drilling operations when crude oil and gas suddenly gushed out with force. Gas has spread across several kilometres around Irusumanda village in Malikipuram mandal, triggering panic. A strong smell of crude oil has filled the area, forcing residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution.
Officials said the fire may only subside once the gas reserves are fully exhausted. Fire department teams continue efforts to manage the blaze as the situation remains tense.
