DIBRUGARH: A massive explosion followed by an uncontrolled gas leak at a rig under Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)’s Rudrasagar oilfield in Assam’s Sivasagar prompted the evacuation of 70 families to a relief camp at Bongaon, as authorities struggled to contain the crisis even 24 hours after the accident.The rig, operated by SK Petrochemicals under ONGC, suffered a blowout during routine operations in Sivasagar’s Bhatiapar area around 11.45 am Thursday, causing the uncontrolled release of natural gas and triggering panic in nearby villages. The deafening roar of the escaping gas was allegedly heard as far as 3-4km away, forcing residents of Bari Chuk and surrounding areas to flee for safety. ONGC officials said emergency protocols were activated promptly, but the high-pressure leak proved difficult to contain. SDRF and NDRF were pressed into action, alongside ONGC’s technical teams, to control the emission. “Till now, 70 families have been relocated. Food, drinking water, and medical facilities have been arranged at the camp. A police team has been deployed for security, and an ambulance with a medical team is stationed at the site,” Sivasagar district commissioner Ayush Garg said.
