Blow Out in Konaseema After 30 Years

Panic gripped Irusumanda village in Malikipuram mandal of Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday after a gas leak at an ONGC drilling site led to a sudden blow out during re drilling operations.

Gas burst out forcefully from the ground, spreading thick fumes in the air and triggering brief flames at the site. The strong smell of gas forced workers and villagers nearby to run to safer places.

ONGC emergency teams and fire service personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information. Fire engines were deployed as a precautionary step, and drilling activities were immediately halted.

Amalapuram MP, Razole MLA, and Konaseema SP closely monitored the situation at the site. As part of safety measures, residents of the entire village were evacuated along with their domestic animals. Students from nearby schools were also shifted to safer locations.

The incident revived memories of the major Pasarlapudi blowout that happened nearly three decades ago, when a gas well caught fire and burned for several weeks, forcing large scale evacuations.

Though this incident was much smaller in comparison, locals have raised concerns and demanded strict safety checks before drilling operations resume.