At the time unconfirmed industry reports claimed the well was flowing 30 million cubic feet per day through a 9 5/8" bore, putting a dent in the estimated 20bcf in the reservoir, although Origin said it was impossible to gauge the flow rate.

Other experts say the 7 mud nozzles in the drill bit would have constrained the flow to less than that amount.

Several employees suffered minor burns during the incident and were taken to hospital as a precaution before returning to work.

The well is no longer flowing from the drill pipe and it is expected that the well control specialists and emergency support personnel will be released from the site over the coming days.

Activities are now continuing in order to evaluate the downhole condition of the well. Following this, a decision on the need to cement the hole will be made and over the next few weeks development options for the well and field will be considered.