Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) continues its intensive operations to control and cap the blowout at the Mori-5 gas well in Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which began on January 5, has seen fire intensity reduce significantly. Crisis teams are working under an approved blowout plan to stabilize the site.
ONGC Ltd is pressing forward with its blowout control operations at the Mori-5 gas well in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh. The blowout, which occurred during workover activities on January 5, triggered a massive fireball and gas leak, forcing evacuations in nearby villages.
According to ONGC officials, the crisis management team has made notable progress in reducing fire intensity, noise levels, and ambient heat around the site. The company has mobilized logistics, constructed an approach road for debris clearance, and deployed a water blanket to aid cooling and prepare for capping operations.
Key Highlights:
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Incident Date: January 5, 2026, during workover operations at Mori-5 well.
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Nature of Blowout: Pure natural gas leak, described as a “geological surprise” by ONGC officials.
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Safety Measures: Evacuation of nearby villages, cooling operations, and water blanket deployment.
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Progress: Fire intensity and heat levels have reduced; debris clearance underway.
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Next Steps: Systematic removal of debris and capping of the wellhead before final assessment.
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Government Response: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial survey and directed compensation for affected farmers.
The incident underscores the challenges of managing complex geological surprises while ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact.
Sources: The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, CNBC-TV18, Business Standard, Economic Times EnergyWorld