Gas Blowout During Repair Work Sparks Major Fire at Mori-5 Well in Andhra Pradesh, Villages Evacuated

Massive Gas Blowout Triggers Fire at ONGC-Linked Mori-5 Well, Villages Evacuated.

A major gas blowout followed by a massive fire erupted at the Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday, January 5, 2026, triggering panic and forcing large-scale precautionary evacuations.

The well, operated by Deep Industries Ltd as a production contractor for ONGC, suffered the incident during production-enhancement repair work using a workover rig, when a sudden uncontrolled release of gas mixed with crude oil shot high into the air and ignited within moments. Residents reported a loud blast followed by towering flames that spread rapidly to surrounding areas, destroying nearly 500 coconut trees and nearby vegetation.

Acting swiftly, district authorities and ONGC evacuated residents of Irusumanda and at least two neighbouring villages, cut electricity supply, and issued repeated public warnings through loudspeakers advising people not to light stoves or operate electrical appliances due to the risk of further ignition from the escaping gas.

Multiple fire tenders from the Rajahmundry Asset and local fire services were rushed to the spot, while ONGC’s Crisis Management Teams were deployed to control the well, cap the leak, and bring the blaze under control. Officials confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries, but the incident has raised fresh safety concerns as this is the second gas leak reported in the same village in recent months, following a similar episode last August.

 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought a detailed report on the incident and directed ministers and senior officials to monitor relief and safety measures closely as emergency operations continue.