ONGC Gas Leak in Andhra Triggers Village Evacuations
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Konaseema
- Jan 05, 2026
- 742
A massive gas leak followed by a fire at an ONGC oil well in the Rajole area of Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, has triggered large-scale evacuations and renewed concerns over operational safety during maintenance activities at oil and gas installations. The incident occurred on Monday while repair work was underway at the well, which had been temporarily shut down for maintenance.
According to initial reports, a sudden explosion took place during the repair process, causing gas and crude oil to erupt forcefully from the well. The escaping gas ignited within minutes, leading to towering flames near the site. Although no casualties or injuries have been reported so far, the incident posed a serious threat to nearby habitations.
As a precautionary measure, the district administration evacuated residents of Irusumanda village along with three surrounding villages. Authorities issued urgent advisories through loudspeakers, instructing residents to switch off electrical connections, refrain from using gas stoves, and avoid operating electronic devices to prevent further ignition risks.
ONGC emergency response teams rushed to the site immediately after receiving information about the leak. Efforts are underway to contain the gas flow and extinguish the fire. The affected area has been fully cordoned off and sealed, with senior district officials and ONGC representatives stationed on-site to oversee containment operations and assess potential environmental and safety impacts.
The well is operated by Deep Industries Ltd, a private contractor engaged by ONGC. The company had secured a contract valued at approximately ₹1,402 crore to enhance production at ONGC’s Rajahmundry asset by 2024. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges associated with increasing output from mature oil fields, where aging infrastructure and high-pressure systems elevate operational risks.
Experts note that while emergency protocols appear to have prevented loss of life, the incident underscores the need for stricter safety audits, advanced monitoring systems, and robust oversight during repair and enhancement operations. As ONGC and district authorities continue their investigation, the gas leak serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between boosting domestic energy production and ensuring the safety of workers, residents, and the environment.