Blow-out at ONGC platform, leaking gas, crude inundate fields

Rajahmundry, Feb 23, 2015: A major blow-out occurred at one of the ONGC drilling platforms near here. Natural gas and crude oil started leaking from the drilling pipes at Penumandraka since Sunday afternoon creating a wave of fear among the locals. Gas and crude started oozing out all of a sudden from its drilling chimneys forcing the engineers to requisition the services of specialists. According to reports, only crude oil and natural gas was emanating from the giant sized chimneys and no fires erupted so far. However, there was no letup in the blow out since yesterday and it may take another two days to put out the huge leakage. Meanwhile, the leaked gas and crude has spread to nearby fields. An extent of 30 acres has already been filled with the crude oil threatening the agricultural fields. Villagers fear if the blow-out is not put out immediately, the leaking gas and crude may spread to some other villages.