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ONGC Makes Major Headway in Containing Andhra Gas Well Blowout

ONGC has reported significant progress in controlling a blowout at a well in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district, with fire intensity and ambient heat notably reduced. Operations are proceeding according to the approved plan, including the completion of an access road and the establishment of a water blanket to facilitate debris removal near the wellhead. Due to the steady progress and low escalation risk, the district administration has advised surrounding residents to return to their normal activities. The blowout occurred on Monday during repair work, forcing the evacuation of over 500 people, though no injuries were reported.

Key Points: ONGC Progress in Andhra Well Blowout Control | Operations Update

  • Fire & noise levels reduced significantly
  • Approach road built for debris clearance
  • Water blanket established at wellsite
  • District advises residents to resume normal activities
2 min read

ONGC makes significant progress in controlling blowout at Andhra well

ONGC reports significant progress in controlling the gas blowout in Andhra Pradesh. Fire and heat reduced, debris removal underway, and evacuated residents can return.

"The safety of the community and protection of the environment remain ONGC's highest priorities - ONGC Statement"

Amaravati, Jan 7

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited said on Wednesday that significant progress has been made in blowout control operations at the well in Andhra Pradesh's Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Fire intensity, noise levels, and ambient heat in the vicinity of the well located at Irusumanda Village, Malkipuram Mandal have reduced significantly.

ONGC continues to undertake focused blowout control at Well Mori-5, operated by PEC contractor M/s Deep Industries.

The Crisis Management Team is progressing with operations in accordance with the approved blowout control plan, the state-owned oil and gas company said.

An approach road from the rear end of the wellsite has been completed to facilitate debris clearance, and the required logistics have been mobilised for systematic debris removal.

A water blanket has been established at the wellsite to support continued debris removal in the vicinity of the wellhead and to enable subsequent operations for capping the wellhead, as per the action plan.

In view of the steady progress achieved and the remote likelihood of escalation, the district administration has advised residents in the surrounding areas to resume their normal activities.

The safety of the community and protection of the environment remain ONGC's highest priorities, and all actions are being carried out in strict compliance with regulatory requirements and established industry best practices, it added.

The crude-mixed gas suddenly erupted on Monday afternoon while repair works were underway using a workover rig after the well had temporarily halted production.

A powerful blowout released a massive volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which shot high into the air. Thick clouds of gas and smoke spread across Irusumanda and the surrounding villages like dense fog, sending panic among people.

Authorities had shifted more than 500 people from the village to the relief camps.

No injury or loss of life was reported. ONGC said the well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500-600 metres.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Thank God the intensity has reduced and people can return to normal life. The environmental impact on that Konaseema region is a big concern though. Hope they clean up the oil and gas contamination properly. 🌿
R
Rohit P
Shifting 500+ people quickly shows good disaster management. PEC and Deep Industries contractors must be held accountable. Our energy security depends on ONGC, but not at the cost of such risky accidents.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in the industry overseas, establishing a water blanket and a rear approach road are standard but crucial steps. The remote location likely prevented a bigger tragedy. Hope the capping is successful.
V
Vikram M
"No injury or loss of life" is the most important line in this article. Bhagwan ka shukar hai. The farmers in those villages must have been terrified. Compensation for crop damage should be given promptly.
M
Michael C
The technical details about debris clearance and the action plan are reassuring. Transparency in these operations is key to maintaining public trust. Well done to the Crisis Management Team for the steady progress.

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