A potential gas leak incident at Oil India Limited’s (OIL) Well No. 309 in Nagajan village, Lankasi-Kothalguri, Dibrugarh district, caused widespread alarm on Thursday afternoon, reminding locals of the disastrous 2020 Baghjan blowout.
The leak began around 4:30 PM with a loud hissing sound and gas spewing into the air, but OIL’s disaster response team managed to control it after an eight-hour operation. Authorities confirmed no casualties or property damage, though concerns over safety lapses in Assam’s oilfields have resurfaced.
Cause of the Leak and Truth Behind the Incident :-
The leak was caused by a mechanical failure in the casing valve, according to OIL’s preliminary assessment. Had the gas ignited, the explosion could have been catastrophic, with a potential blast radius of several hundred meters due to the high-pressure release of flammable gas. The density of such an explosion would depend on gas concentration, but in worst-case scenarios, it could have caused severe structural damage and multiple fatalities.
Local Reactions and Fears:-
Residents of Nagajan and nearby villages expressed fear and frustration, recalling the Baghjan blowout of 2020, where a similar gas leak led to a massive explosion, killing three people and displacing thousands.
“We heard a loud noise and saw gas shooting up into the sky. It reminded us of Baghjan—many of us started packing our belongings, fearing an explosion,” said a local villager.
“OIL keeps saying they follow safety measures, but these leaks keep happening. How many more close calls before a major disaster strikes again?” questioned another resident.
OIL’s Response and Official Statement:-
OIL’s well services team swiftly contained the leak by 1 AM on Friday, replacing the faulty valve and securing the well. The company issued a statement assuring that no lives or property were harmed and reiterated its commitment to safety. However, locals remain skeptical, demanding stricter oversight and better emergency preparedness.
The incident has reignited debates about Gas Leak at Oil India Limited’s Well in Dibrugarh Sparks Panicindustrial safety in Assam’s oilfields, with calls for an independent investigation into recurring leaks and potential negligence. Authorities are monitoring the site, but trust among villagers remains low after the trauma of Baghjan.
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