Goa, Jan. 6 -- A major gas leak from an operational ONGC oil well triggered widespread panic in Irusumanda village in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district after repair work went wrong and gas reportedly erupted into the air.

The incident occurred at an ONGC well in the Razole area while maintenance crews were working on the site using a workover rig. The well had been temporarily shut down for repairs when a powerful blowout suddenly released a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil, which surged skyward in a dramatic plume.

According to local officials, the leaking gas soon ignited, leading to flames breaking out at the site and sending nearby residents into shock. Thick clouds of gas and smoke drifted across Irusumanda and neighbouri...