Gas leak at Bombay High; no casualties

New Delhi: A high pressure, highly inflammable gas leak was reported on Saturday at a well state-owned ONGC was drilling at its prime Bombay High oil and gas fields, off Mumbai coast.

The ONGC immediately  shut down drilling operations and evacuated all non-essential staff. “There was no blowout, only some gas leaked unexpectedly during drilling. All operations are safe. There is no loss of life or property,” a source said.

The state-owned oil company was drilling a side track well from a platform on the Mumbai High North field. “A gas pool was not expected at the depth of 1000 to 1100 meters. But during drilling, some gas came out. We have taken all precautionary measures,” he said.

Fire fighting equipment have been moved to the location and Navy, Coast Guard  are assisting in rescue operations.