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ONGC Gas Well Fire Rages for 24 Hours, Village Evacuated in Emergency

A major fire erupted at an ONGC gas well in Irusumanda village, leading to a full evacuation of residents for their safety. Firefighting efforts are proving extremely difficult due to high gas pressure, prompting plans to divert water from the Gudavalli Canal. Senior officials, including the local MP and district authorities, have been on-site monitoring the emergency response around the clock. The blaze, which started from a pipeline leak, has been burning for over 24 hours as containment operations continue.

Key Points: ONGC Gas Well Fire: Water Diverted, Village Evacuated

  • Massive fire at ONGC gas well
  • Water diverted from Gudavalli Canal
  • Irusumanda village fully evacuated
  • 40,000 cubic metres of gas in well
  • Fire burns for over 24 hours
2 min read

ONGC gas well fire: Water to be diverted from Gudavalli Canal to tackle blaze

A major fire at an ONGC gas well in Andhra Pradesh leads to village evacuation and emergency water diversion from Gudavalli Canal. Officials monitor.

"extinguishing the flames will be extremely challenging until the gas pressure is significantly reduced - Authorities"

Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema District, January 6

After a massive fire erupted at an ONGC gas well in Irusumanda village of Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday, arrangements are being made to divert water from the Gudavalli canal to assist firefighting efforts as a part of the emergency operations.

The authorities stated that extinguishing the flames will be extremely challenging until the gas pressure is significantly reduced.

According to preliminary estimates, the gas well contains nearly 40,000 cubic metres of gas. Officials indicated that if the fire is not brought under control by noon, a complete shutdown and sealing of the well will be initiated as a precautionary measure.

Due to the potential danger posed by the ongoing fire and gas emissions, Irusumanda village has been completely evacuated, and residents have been shifted to safer locations.

Senior officials and public representatives have been stationed at the accident site since the incident occurred. Rajamahendravaram MP Ganti Harish Balayogi, District Collector Mahesh Kumar, and Superintendent of Police Rahul Meena remained at the spot throughout the night and into Monday morning, closely monitoring the situation.

Officials interacted with firefighting personnel and technical teams on the ground, overseeing containment measures and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Fire services, disaster response teams, and ONGC technical experts are working around the clock to prevent further escalation.

Authorities reiterated that public safety remains the top priority and assured that further updates will be issued as the situation develops.

According to officials, the accident took place around 12:40 PM on January 5, when a major gas pipeline leak was detected at the ONGC installation. The leaked gas soon caught fire, producing massive flames visible from a distance and causing fear in nearby villages.

As of Tuesday, January 6, the blaze has been burning for more than 24 hours, with emergency teams continuing containment operations.

More details are awaited as containment efforts continue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the families of Irusumanda. Having to leave your home suddenly is terrifying. Good to see the MP and Collector on site. Hope they control it soon. The environmental damage from burning that much gas must be huge.
A
Aman W
ONGC needs to answer some tough questions. A major leak at 12:40 PM? What were the safety protocols? This is not the first incident. While we appreciate the firefighting efforts, there must be accountability to prevent such accidents. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
The bravery of the firefighters and technical teams working around the clock is commendable. 40,000 cubic metres of gas is a massive amount. Hoping for a safe and swift resolution. The plan to seal the well sounds like the last resort.
V
Vikram M
This is why we need to accelerate our shift to renewable energy. We can't keep risking lives and the environment for fossil fuels. That said, full support to the teams on the ground. Stay safe, brothers.
K
Kriti O
The officials saying it's "extremely challenging" until gas pressure reduces... that's worrying. They must ensure all nearby villages are safe from any potential explosion. Good they are being transparent with updates.

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