A major gas leak from an operational Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) oil field has caused widespread fear in the Irusumanda village situated in the Razole area of the Andhra Pradesh district of Konaseema on Monday. The incident occurred during repair operations at the well, prompting emergency responses from both local authorities and ONGC officials.
As per a report by NDTV, reports indicated that the oil well had momentarily ceased operations for production and repair using a workover rig. However, during the process, a huge blowout happened that resulted in a significant quantity of gas and crude oil mixture shot high into the air. This sudden release of materials propelled them through the air, and this caused alarm among employees and villagers.
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Fire breaks out, villages alerted
According to the report by NDTV, local authorities said the leaking gas quickly ignited, causing flames to erupt at the site. Thick clouds of gas and smoke started to spread rapidly across Irusumanda and nearby areas, reducing visibility to near-zero conditions akin to thick fog. As a precautionary measure, the authorities ordered urgent announcements through loudspeakers in three villages surrounding the plant, appealing to people to refrain from using electricity, switching on appliances, or lighting stoves to prevent further ignition.
The Panchayat officials, along with the local administration, asked villagers to vacate the area without wasting any time. Residents of many areas vacated their homes and shifted their cattle to safer places as the situation remained grim. The affected area has since been cordoned off, and access was restricted as emergency measures continue.
ONGC responds, officials monitor situation
ONGC personnel were rushed to the site to control the gas leak and contain the fire. The senior district officials and ONGC representatives reached the site, NDTV stated. They are closely monitoring the situation and overseeing the safety operations, said Collector Kuldeep Sharma.
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ONGC operations in Andhra Pradesh
The Krishna Godavari Delta Basin has a substantial operating presence of ONGC in the adjoining areas of East Godavari district. The company is operating in the region through their Rajahmundry Onshore Asset and Eastern Offshore Asset, where gas, oil, and associated gas are being produced from both offshore platforms in the Bay of Bengal and onshore areas.
The hydrocarbons produced from the offshore platforms are moved through a separate pipeline to the processing units located in Yanam, Puducherry, and Mallavaram in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Once the processing has been completed, the natural gas is distributed to the national pipeline, and the crude oil to other destinations for further processing.
