The massive fire triggered by a gas leak at the Mori-5 drilling site of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Irusumanda village of Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district has been largely brought under control. District collector Mahesh Kumar Ravirala said on Tuesday evening that the flames had been reduced by nearly 90 per cent.
The blaze, which shot up to nearly 100 feet following a blowout on Monday, was brought down to around 50 feet within 24 hours. Officials said it may take another four to five days to fully contain the remaining fire, as ONGC teams work on capping the gas well.
Authorities have confirmed that there is currently no threat to nearby residents. More than 550 people from Goodapalli, Irusumanda and Lakkavaram villages, who were evacuated as a precaution, have been permitted to return to their homes. The state government has also announced compensation for farmers whose coconut trees and crops were damaged by the fire.
The incident occurred when drilling operations were underway at a depth of nearly 2,500 metres, leading to an explosion and gas leak. ONGC officials estimated that around 40,000 cubic metres of gas reserves were present at the site.
To control the situation, hundreds of ONGC engineers and workers were deployed, along with multiple fire tenders. Water was diverted from the Gudavalli irrigation canal and sprayed over the well in a wide umbrella-like pattern to cool the area and suppress the flames. Teams from Rajamahendravaram and Narsapur, along with a specialised expert unit from Delhi, are using coolant fluids and pressure-reduction techniques to stabilise the well.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conducted a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess containment efforts and relief measures. He directed officials to ensure transparent communication with affected residents, prevent panic, and expedite compensation for crop and property losses.

Flames at Konaseema drilling site reduced by 90%, evacuees allowed to return

ONGC Gas Leak Fire in Andhra Mostly Controlled

Flames at Konaseema drilling site reduced by 90%, evacuees allowed to return

January 7, 2026 | 11:13 IST