Following the leak, crude oil–mixed gas spread across the village like thick smog, severely reducing visibility and leaving villagers gripped by fear.
Image courtesy: (Screengrab of a social media video shared by KP Ashish )
A massive gas leak from a Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well triggered panic among residents of Irusumanda village in Malkipuram mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday.
Following the leak, crude oil–mixed gas spread across the village like thick smog, severely reducing visibility and leaving villagers gripped by fear.
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Panic-stricken residents immediately alerted ONGC officials, prompting a swift emergency response involving the corporation, the fire department, and the police.
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Officials said efforts are underway to contain the leak. The production well has been shut down, and repair work is being carried out using a workover rig.
According to reports, a loud explosion was heard, after which a fire also broke out. Authorities have reportedly evacuated villagers from the affected area as a precautionary measure.
Electricity supply has been cut in the area and people have been directed not to use stoves.
“A massive gas leak occurred in Irusumanda village of Malkipuram mandal. Local residents informed ONGC officials about the incident. ONGC officials, along with fire and police personnel, are dousing the fire,” said Balakrishna, a fire department officer.
Visuals shared on social media show a thick white layer of gas enveloping the village, heightening concerns among locals.
ONGC statement on gas leak
ONGC confirmed the incident in a press release and stated that no injury or loss of live was reported.
“Incident of gas leak during the workover operations at Well Mori#5 was informed by the PEC Operator Deep Industries Limited, for the Mori Field in Andhra Pradesh on 5 January 2026. The well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of approximately 500–600 metres. No injury or loss of life has been reported,” ONGC said in a press release.
It said that the area was cordoned off shortly after the leak was reported and cooling operations commenced. “ONGC has mobilised the Crisis Management Teams (CMT and RCMT). Preparatory work is in progress to facilitate well-control and, if required, capping of the well.”
ONGC has also initiated coordination with international well-control specialists, including mobilisation arrangements to support advanced well-control and casing-cutting operations, subject to site assessment.
It further added, “ONGC’s senior management and technical experts are closely monitoring the situation, with additional equipment being mobilised from nearby locations, including Narsapuram. Further updates will be shared as the situation evolves.”
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