Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has brought its Mori-5 gas well under control within five days after a blowout during routine operations in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of the fastest well-control efforts in the company’s recent history.
The incident occurred on January 5 in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district when a gas leak triggered a large fire near the villages of Mori and Irusumanda. Flames rose nearly 20 metres high and spread over a wide area, prompting authorities to evacuate nearby residents as a precautionary measure.
The blowout took place while service contractor Deep Industries Limited was carrying out a workover at the well. ONGC activated its crisis management framework immediately, deploying specialised firefighting and well-control teams along with heavy equipment to the site. High temperatures, loud noise levels and restricted access in the initial hours complicated containment efforts.
Over the following days, response teams cleared debris around the wellhead, created approach routes and installed a continuous water blanket to reduce heat and stabilise the site ahead of final capping operations. District officials said the risk of further escalation reduced steadily as conditions improved, allowing displaced residents to gradually return to their homes.
By January 10, ONGC confirmed that the well had been successfully capped and the situation fully stabilised. The company thanked the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the local administration and surrounding communities for their cooperation during the operation.
ONGC said it would continue monitoring the site and reiterated its commitment to safety standards, environmental protection and operational discipline across its exploration and production assets. |
