Terror grips Assam's Tinsukia as massive fire engulfs Baghjan blowout site

Guwahati: A massive fire has erupted at the well no. 5 of the Baghjan Oil Field in Tinsukia district of Assam, the site of a major blowout that occurred on May 27.

This massive fire has created a situation of terror among the locals, who have already been living in constant fear since the blowout took place. Footage from the site shows that a massive fire has erupted at the spot, where gas and oil emissions have continued well after the incident was first reported.

In a sensational incident, the producing well of Baghjan 5 under Baghjan Oilfield of Oil India Limited in Tinsukia district of Assam on May 27 became active while workover operations were on, triggering the evacuation of several hundred locals to safer areas.

Immediately after the mishap that transpired around 10:30 am in the morning, the ongoing operations were immediately suspended and the well started releasing natural gas in an uncontrolled manner.

In the ensuing days, experts are still unable to plug the leak that has caused a major outcry among the locals, who are fearful for their lives.

In a recent development, a team of experts from Singapore has been flown in from Singapore to assess the situation. Singapore-based firm M/S Alert Disaster Control, responding to OIL's request, has sent a team comprising Michael Earnest, Senior Well Control Operations (team leader); Craig Nell Duncun, Senior Well Control Engineer; and Edward Harris MacLeod, Senior Well Control specialist.

Meanwhile, Oil India Limited (OIL) has said that efforts are on to plug the lead. In an official statement dated June 8, OIL said that a meeting was convened by RCE, OIL at Duliajan where the experts from M/s Alert Disaster Control were briefed by representatives of OIL about the progress in the well control operation. After the preliminary discussion and debriefing session, the experts along with the OIL team left for Baghjan Well at around 12 noon.

"Both vertical and horizontal lift mechanism of the Hydraulically Driven Mechanical Transporter to be used for Well Control Operation have been completed and tested. The final assembling process is in progress and composite arrangements for subduing (killing) the well is in progress. Clearing the site of operation is in progress. Arrangement for creating a water umbrella for well control operation is in progress. The digging of water reservoir and preparation of placement of high capacity water pumps are in progress. Environmental impact assessment study and bioremediation process are in progress, and am NDRF team is assisting the relief operation", said OIL.

It needs mention here that after the explosion, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in and about 2,500 people have been taken to relief camps.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more timely updates.

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