The Andhra Pradesh government has moved swiftly to contain a major gas leak–triggered fire at an ONGC drilling site in Malikipuram mandal of Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. Ministers Atchannaidu and Vasamsetty Subhash reviewed the situation on the ground and assured the public that the blaze would be brought under control within 24 to 48 hours.
Fire erupts at ONGC site, thick smoke engulfs area
The fire broke out following a gas leakage from an ONGC rig pipeline near the Mori-5 well. Since then, flames soaring over 100 feet high have continued to burn for the second consecutive day. As a result, parts of Razole town witnessed thick black smoke, triggering safety concerns among residents.
Immediately after receiving information, fire services, police, and revenue officials rushed to the spot and launched rescue and containment operations.
Ministers review situation, relief measures intensified
On the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Atchannaidu reviewed the incident by speaking to the district collector and SP. He instructed officials to ensure that no loss of life occurs and ordered the evacuation of people living near the incident site to safer locations.
Moreover, he directed officials to coordinate closely with ONGC experts to bring the fire under control at the earliest. As a precautionary step, authorities also began distributing masks to nearby residents to prevent health issues caused by gas exposure.
Vasamsetty Subhash assures public, no casualties reported
Minister Vasamsetty Subhash, who conducted a field-level inspection, clarified that no casualties were reported in the incident. He confirmed that local residents and students from three nearby schools were shifted to safe areas as a preventive measure.
He further stated that he remains in constant touch with ONGC officials and that a clearer picture would emerge once the expert teams reach the site. “People should not panic. The government is taking all necessary safety measures,” he assured.
Firefighting operations continue day and night
Firefighting teams worked through the night to prevent the blaze from spreading. Officials are currently focusing on cooling the wellhead and safeguarding nearby coconut plantations and aquaculture ponds. To contain the flames, teams deployed high-pressure water pipelines from Narsapuram, creating a protective ‘water umbrella’ around the well.
Expert teams arrive, control expected within 48 hours
According to preliminary findings, the gas leak originated from a closed pipeline at Irusumanda in Malikipuram mandal. A specialised crisis management team from Delhi is arriving to lead well-control operations, while international experts are also being consulted.
Officials informed the government that it may take at least 24 hours to stop the gas leak fully. However, they expressed confidence that the fire will be completely controlled within the next 24 to 48 hours, after which normalcy will gradually return.
Government monitoring situation closely
Minister Subhash reiterated that the state government is reviewing the situation continuously and taking timely decisions to ensure public safety. He added that all departments are on high alert until the situation stabilises completely.
As containment efforts intensify, authorities continue to urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with officials, assuring that every possible step is being taken to bring the crisis under control.
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మలికిపురం మండలం ఇరుసుమండలో తగ్గు ముఖం పెట్టిన బ్లో అవుట్..
15 గంటలు దాటిన తర్వాత కొంచెం కొంచెం తగ్గుతున్న ఫైర్ తీవ్రత. ఇప్పుడిప్పుడే ఊపిరి పీల్చుకుంటున్న గ్రామస్తులు..#Konaseema #AndhraPradesh #FireAccident pic.twitter.com/TL7hxgx3x2
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