- Blaze, sparked by underground gas leak, remains uncontrollable.
- Experts caution that firefighting efforts could worsen situation.
- Police do not take action to prevent citizens from approaching blaze.
As a massive fire continues to rage for the fourth consecutive day in the Karachi’s Korangi area, a number of Karachi residents flocked to the site to witness the spectacle on the night of Eid’s first day.
Many visitors, undeterred by the danger, were seen taking selfies and sharing their experiences on social media despite warnings from authorities.
The blaze, sparked by an underground gas leak, remains uncontrollable, with experts cautioning that firefighting efforts could worsen the situation.
The fire began early Saturday morning after a local construction company drilled over 1,100 feet for a tube well, releasing methane gas under high pressure. Despite the presence of fire brigade personnel and police at the scene, the flames continue to burn, and efforts to extinguish them have proven ineffective.
Experts, including former Chief Fire Officer Kazim Ali, have warned against attempting to douse the blaze, suggesting that the blaze could burn itself out within a few days if left alone.
However, they caution that continued firefighting attempts could escalate the situation, spreading gas and increasing the risk to nearby residents. One of the expert has suggested marking a 90-metre restricted area and constructing a soil mound to block the flames as a measure to contain the fire.
On the first night of Eid, many Karachiites visited the site after seeing media coverage, with some even admitting they came just to witness the event. Police, however, did not take action to prevent citizens from approaching the blaze, raising concerns over public safety.
The fire has become a focal point for public attention, while experts are closely monitoring the situation. Officials are also collecting water and gas samples to assess the underground deposits’ scale and potential risks.
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has confirmed that its installations are not near the affected area, while Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) continues to monitor the fire’s impact on the gas supply.