The mysterious fire that erupted in Karachi’s Korangi Creek area continues to burn unabated for over a week, raising serious environmental and safety concerns. Despite local efforts, the fire has not been fully extinguished even after seven days, prompting authorities to seek international assistance.
In a new development, a team from a world-renowned American company has arrived at the site to assess the situation and assist with fire containment strategies. Their visit follows the decision made two days ago by the technical committee overseeing the crisis to bring in global expertise in tackling underground fires and gas-based hazards.
Crater Expands as Gas Activity Increases
Sources from the investigative committee have revealed alarming updates. The crater at the fire site has now widened to 150 feet, indicating the underground fire may be spreading. Even more concerning is the observation of gas bubbles emerging from several locations in the surrounding water. These gas leaks have led experts to believe that underground gas deposits may be feeding the fire.
The Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is currently tasked with conducting initial gas readings to determine the composition and concentration of the flammable gases present in the area. This will play a vital role in designing an effective response plan to control the ongoing blaze.
International Expertise and Advanced Equipment
According to technical committee sources, the American firm, known for its work on subterranean fire incidents and oil field safety, will assist in evaluating the site, assessing underground pressure zones, and suggesting the best course of action.
In preparation, authorities have decided to procure two state-of-the-art gas detection meters, which will help in accurately measuring the levels and types of gases leaking into the environment. These tools are crucial in preventing any further explosions or fire outbreaks caused by unnoticed leaks.
Fire Still Uncontrolled After 7 Days
Despite local firefighting efforts, the fire continues to smolder and spread, highlighting the complexity of the situation. The nature of the fire—likely fueled by subterranean gas or chemical reactions—makes it extremely difficult to control using traditional firefighting methods.
The persistent flames and smoke have also raised concerns about air and water contamination, prompting environmental safety units to step in. The committee in charge is now considering several advanced techniques, including cement-filling of borings—a method often used in the oil and gas industry to block underground leaks.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Local residents and environmentalists have expressed growing concern over the potential long-term effects of the fire. The presence of gas bubbles in the water and the expanding crater suggest the fire may be connected to underground hydrocarbon activity, possibly linked to dormant or previously unknown gas pockets beneath Korangi Creek.
Experts warn that if left unchecked, the situation could escalate into a larger environmental disaster, affecting marine life, groundwater quality, and air purity in the surrounding areas.
Additionally, the increasing size of the crater may pose a physical hazard to infrastructure, raising fears about ground subsidence or future collapses if the underground combustion continues.
Authorities on High Alert
Karachi authorities, including the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and local disaster management units, are now monitoring the site around the clock. The fire has been declared a high-risk incident, and further public access to the area has been restricted to avoid any casualties.
The collaborative effort between Pakistani agencies and the American technical team is expected to produce detailed findings and a recommended action plan within days.
Containment and Long-Term Monitoring
Once the composition of the leaking gases is confirmed, authorities will decide whether to proceed with cement-filling, excavation, or controlled gas release methods. Each option carries its own risks and costs, and the final decision will likely depend on the recommendations provided by the international team.
Long-term, the area may require constant monitoring and soil stabilization, depending on the extent of the underground damage caused by the ongoing fire.
The unrelenting fire in Korangi Creek presents a rare and dangerous challenge that has now drawn global attention. As gas bubbles continue to rise and the fire shows no signs of subsiding, the involvement of international experts and the use of advanced gas detection tools may be Pakistan’s best hope for containing this underground blaze.
The next few days will be critical as authorities determine the source of the fire, evaluate environmental damage, and deploy strategies to extinguish the flames and prevent a wider catastrophe.
