Karachi underground fire continues after 31 hours

Karachi: An underground fire in Karachi's Korangi Crossing area, believed to have been caused by a methane leak, has been burning for over 31 hours, and officials say it could take up to 10 days to put out.

The fire started early Saturday when a construction company drilled a tube well more than 1,100 feet deep, releasing gas that is thought to be biogenic. Despite continuous efforts to put out the fire using water, soil, and sand, the flames remain out of control.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed said that methane gas is escaping under high pressure and warned that trying to extinguish the fire too quickly could spread the gas, putting nearby residents at risk. He added that the fire can only be controlled once the gas pressure decreases, which might take several days.

Former Karachi Fire Chief Kazim Ali Khan advised against trying to extinguish the fire directly. He suggested letting it burn out naturally and warned that the released gas could contain hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic. He also proposed building earthen barriers 90 meters from the site to prevent the fire from spreading.

Over 10 fire trucks and several water tankers are still on-site as officials work to control the situation.