Magnum Hunter Resources said it experienced a blowout of a well in Ohio.
The company had previously drilled the Stadler 3UH wel, in the Utica shale, before temporarily plugging and abandoning it in preparation for the drilling of three additional Utica horizontal wells.
However a spokesman said the it began to flow uncontrollably while recommencing operations.
The site is run by the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Triad Hunter.
The spokesman said: “Triad Hunter personnel were removing the well’s night cap flange when a pressure disruption occurred.
“They attempted to bolt back down this equipment but were not able to safely do so prior to natural gas flowback.
“Triad Hunter has contacted all necessary regulatory authorities and evacuated field personnel and the residents in the immediate area.
“Currently, all field personnel are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. Only critical personnel remain at a command center near the well site to mitigate the incident.
“Wild Well Control of Houston, Texas has been mobilized and is currently on site preparing for well control operations.”