Massive Fire Breaks Out at Oil Well in Northeast India

[NewsReporter]

VOA - World News

Disaster response officials in India say a huge fire broke out Tuesday at an oil well that has been known to be leaking gas for more than two weeks in the Tinsukia district of northeastern Assam state.
 
Massive flames and a huge plume of black smoke could be seen rising from the scene.
 
The oil well belongs to state-owned Oil India Limited (OIL), which is located close to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park  
 
Indian media report firefighters have joined the National Disaster Response Force at the scene to fight the blaze. Oil India’s own team of firefighters also were there to help.  
 
At a news conference Tuesday, Assam State’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appealed to the Indian Air Force for help fighting the fire.  
 
The India Today newspaper reports the fire had spread to nearby villages and destroyed several houses and other property.
 
Oil India reported the well had been leaking oil since a blow-out — or, surge of oil from underground — occurred there May 27.  About 2,000 people living near the oil well were shifted to safer places after the blowout.