Fire In Ongcs Andhra Well Extinguished
The fire in Oil & Natural Gas Corporations well at Mandapeta West in the Krishna-Godavari basin was extinguished at 1 pm yesterday.
The well had a blow-out while drilling was in progress at a level of 2,753 metres on February 19. The crude and gas gushing out had caught fire, with the inferno reaching a height of 100 metres.
A spokesman for ONGC in Rajahmundry said last evening that a decision will now have to be taken whether the well should be capped or a relief well be drilled to reduce the pressure in the ill fated well. Lower pressure is important to ensure that the well does not get reactivated.
A decision in this respect, said the spokesman, would be taken after the tonnes of debris had been cleared and the mouth of the well inspected.
An action plan is being prepared to drill a relief well, in case it is necessary.