Underground fire burns for 10 days after water boring hits methane in Karachi
Gas discovery in Korangi Creek occurred during TPL Properties' search for water supplies
Shumaila Khan
Chief Correspondent
Shumaila Khan, a multimedia journalist and Chevening SAJP fellow with 17+ years of experience, is known for her acclaimed work with BBC Urdu, BBC Indian Languages, DW English, Dainik Bhaskar, UNICEF, and Internews.
Fire repeatedly reignites despite sand and soil containment efforts
Water makes flames more intense, complicating firefighting attempts
Officials warn extinguishing efforts could spread gas to nearby areas
In Karachi’s Korangi Creek area, TPL Properties encountered high-pressure biogenic methane gas while boring for water, instead of finding water.
The gas ignited a fire, which has now been burning for over ten days. Despite efforts using sand and soil, the fire continues to reignite, with water only intensifying the flames.
Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun warned that further attempts to extinguish the fire could spread the gas, endangering nearby residents.
Laboratory reports are expected soon, and it’s hoped the fire may be controlled within the next 10-12 days. NuktaCorrespondent Shumaila Khan covers the story.
Comments
See what people are discussing