Hyderabad: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has begun coordinating with international well-control specialists after a gas leak triggered a fire at one of its wells in Andhra Pradesh’s Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the Mori-5 well. According to ONGC, the fire broke out during production enhancement operations. At the time, its production contractor, Deep Industries Ltd, was operating the well when a gas pipeline leak caused the blaze.
In a statement issued on Monday night, ONGC said the situation at the site is under control. Importantly, the company confirmed that the incident caused no injuries or loss of life.
ONGC said there is no human habitation within a radius of about 500 to 600 metres from the well. Therefore, teams secured and cordoned off the affected area as a precaution.
ONGC mobilises crisis teams, plans well-control steps
Meanwhile, the company started cooling operations at the site to stabilise conditions. At the same time, ONGC activated its Crisis Management Teams at both central and regional levels.
ONGC said preparatory work is underway for well-control operations. If required, the company will proceed with capping the well to contain the situation fully.
Further, ONGC said it has begun coordination with international well-control specialists. As a result, planning includes advanced well-control and casing-cutting operations. However, these steps will depend on a detailed site assessment.
Additionally, ONGC said it continues to monitor the situation closely. The company added that it will take all necessary safety and environmental protection measures.