Islamabad, Apr 15, 2025: A strange and long-burning fire that erupted from a gas-filled trench in Karachi has finally gone out after 18 continuous days — without any human efforts to extinguish it.
The incident began on March 29, when flames unexpectedly burst out during a water boring operation at a vacant plot owned by a private housing society near Korangi Crossing.
To everyone’s surprise, the fire extinguished on its own, but the flow of gas from the pit remains consistent and concerning.
Residents of nearby neighborhoods have raised alarms due to the strong gas odor lingering in the air, prompting authorities to seal off the area.
The authorities made this move to protect the public from potential respiratory risks or explosion threats, as the gas continues to seep out steadily.
Although the fire died out naturally, experts say the gas continues to emit under pressure, showing no signs of reduction and maintaining a steady, dangerous flow.
Officials have closely monitored the location ever since they first flagged the issue.
In response, multiple expert teams have visited the scene. Specialists from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission carried out a technical review to determine the source and composition of the gas.
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Additionally, professionals from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and other national oil and gas corporations inspected the site to assess the risk and understand the factors that may have triggered the fire.
Geologists conducted further assessments, including mineral analysis and soil sampling, to support the ongoing investigation. Although firefighters have extinguished the blaze, the constant gas discharge still threatens the surrounding population.
Authorities urge citizens to stay away from the area as they reinforce safety protocols.
Investigators are still examining the exact cause of the underground fire and continuous leakage, but experts believe trapped natural gases beneath the surface may have accidentally ignited during the drilling.
This incident has drawn the attention of environmental and safety organizations across Pakistan, who are now calling for stricter regulations on underground drilling activities, especially in densely populated urban zones like Karachi.
