ONGC oil well fire Andhra Pradesh.

A major fire at the Mori-5 oil well operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Andhra Pradesh’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district continued unabated for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, raising serious concerns over safety, environmental impact, and disruption to local life. The incident occurred in **Irusumanda village of Malkipuram mandal, where ONGC teams have been working round-the-clock to control a blowout at the well.

According to officials, the blaze erupted following a sudden blowout — an uncontrolled release of gas and crude oil under high pressure — during routine operations at the Mori-5 well. The intensity of the fire has remained high, with flames visible from several kilometers away, prompting authorities to cordon off the surrounding area as a precautionary measure. Fire safety protocols were immediately activated, and additional technical experts were rushed to the site.

ONGC sources said that specialized well-control teams, along with international blowout management experts, have been deployed to assess the situation and execute containment procedures. High-capacity water sprinklers, fire tenders, and cooling systems have been positioned around the well to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby installations. Despite these efforts, adverse weather conditions and continuous gas pressure have made firefighting operations extremely challenging.

“The situation is being closely monitored. Safety of personnel and nearby residents remains our top priority,” an ONGC official said, adding that the company is following globally accepted oilfield safety standards. As a precaution, several families living close to the well site were temporarily relocated, and access to the area has been restricted.

Local administration officials stated that no casualties have been reported so far, which has brought some relief amid the tense situation. However, residents have expressed concern over thick smoke, noise, and potential environmental damage. Farmers in nearby areas fear that prolonged exposure to heat and pollutants could affect crops and groundwater.

Environmental experts warn that prolonged oil well fires can release harmful gases into the atmosphere, including methane and other volatile organic compounds. While ONGC has assured that air quality is being continuously monitored, authorities have advised people in nearby villages to remain indoors and follow safety advisories.

The district administration, in coordination with the state government, has set up an emergency response mechanism. Medical teams and ambulances have been stationed in the area to deal with any health emergencies. Officials from the pollution control board are also collecting samples to assess the environmental impact of the fire.

This incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with oil and gas exploration, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Konaseema belt. The area is known for its fertile agricultural land and dense population, making safety management crucial during such industrial operations.

As firefighting and well-control operations continue, ONGC has reiterated its commitment to bringing the situation under control at the earliest. “Every possible technical and safety measure is being taken to cap the well and extinguish the fire,” the company said in a statement.

The state government has sought regular updates from ONGC and assured full support in terms of logistics and emergency services. Senior officials are expected to visit the site to review the containment efforts firsthand.

Meanwhile, residents and local leaders have urged authorities to ensure transparency and long-term safety measures once the fire is extinguished. As the blaze enters its fourth day, all eyes remain on the efforts to control the blowout and prevent further escalation of the incident.