Massive Fire Near Karachi’s Korangi Crossing Still Uncontrolled After Several Hours
Experts Suggest Fire in Private Housing Society, Korangi Creek May Have Originated from Underground Gas Reserves
A massive fire that broke out last night on an empty plot near Korangi Crossing in Karachi during a water boring operation, allegedly due to a gas leakage, remains uncontrollable despite several hours of firefighting efforts.
As reported, the Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 teams have been tirelessly working to extinguish the fire, but the situation remains critical.
The incident occurred when a water boring operation had reached approximately 1,100 feet, and workers suspected a gas leak. They immediately alerted rescue authorities, but shortly after, the leaked gas ignited, sending massive flames into the sky.
Upon receiving the alert, Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade, Rescue 1122 teams, police, and Rangers rushed to the scene.
However, despite prolonged efforts, the fire is yet to be brought under control. Authorities have yet to determine the source of the fire, the type of gas leaked, or whether an underground gas pipeline is involved.
Sindh Governor Orders Immediate Action
Expressing concern over the incident, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori directed authorities to take immediate action to contain the fire. He contacted Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, instructing him to arrange a helicopter for firefighting efforts.
The governor also spoke with the Chief Fire Officer and on-site engineers, emphasizing that firefighters should be provided with all necessary resources to bring the situation under control.
Experts Suggest Fire in Korangi Creek May Have Originated from Underground Gas Reserves
Oil and gas experts believe that the fire in Korangi Creek may have been caused by an underground gas reserve. They suggest it could be a small gas pocket located at a shallow depth.
The CEO of the construction company involved in the boring operation stated that they had drilled up to a depth of 1,200 feet. He emphasized that soil testing had been conducted beforehand, and no gas presence was reported. The boring was solely intended for water extraction.
Gas Line Fire in Private Housing Society, Korangi Creek
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun stated that fire brigade vehicles were deployed to the scene as soon as the fire broke out late at night. However, the use of water, soil, and sand to extinguish the flames has been halted for now.
According to Humayun, various samples, including water and sand, are being collected from the fire site. The type of gas involved will be determined once test results are available, which may take two to three hours.
The Chief Fire Officer further mentioned that it is still unclear whether the fire originated from a gas line or a gas pocket. Authorities are working with multiple agencies to develop a firefighting strategy. The fire erupted unexpectedly during excavation late at night.
