‘Decision on Korangi Crossing fire likely after consultations’

The mysterious fire that erupted near the Korangi Crossing has been burning for six days now, but the authorities are yet to take any decisive action. They are maintaining a wait-and-watch policy, with a decision likely to be made in the coming days after consultations with all the stakeholders.

The affected area has been sealed and is under the control of the district administration and other relevant authorities. Fire engines of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the cantonment board remain on site, but no firefighting operation is under way. They are on standby as a precautionary measure.

The fire started after a 1,200-foot-deep bore was drilled at the site on March 29. Samples of sand and water have been collected for chemical analysis to determine the nature and volume of the gas responsible for the fire.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed said Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is handling the underground fire incident, while the fire brigade is playing a supporting role. A fire brigade vehicle is stationed at the site 24/7 as backup to deal with any emergencies.

Ahmed said the fire remains in the same condition as it was on the first day. He confirmed that they are constantly coordinating with the relevant departments, particularly the PPL. He said they have been informed that the authorities are maintaining a wait-and-watch policy, but a decision is expected in the next few days, after the fire brigade officials are also consulted.

He explained that underground earth plates, located approximately 1,100 to 1,200 feet below the surface, were likely damaged due to boring activities, which led to the incident. When asked about the type of gas involved, he said that it has not been confirmed yet, but it is most likely methane or biogas, as such cases typically involve these gases.

“This is the first incident of its kind in Karachi, making it a significant concern for the city’s residents. However, for organisations like the PPL and the Sui Southern Gas Company, such incidents are relatively routine, and often occur at sites like Sui, where the situation can persist for months.”

Ahmed said that it would not have been a challenge for them to extinguish the flames, “but doing so could have made the situation even more dangerous. That is why expert agencies are handling the matter. The fire brigade has secured the area to prevent any damage”.

Regarding potential risks, he made the assurance that nearby refineries are safe due to their distance from the fire. However, the authorities are taking precautions to protect the surrounding forests from catching fire due to heat or stray flames.

According to experts, the safest approach is to allow the gas to release naturally, as any attempt to put out the fire can be dangerous. Extinguishing it forcefully can lead to the forming of toxic gases, posing a serious threat to nearby residential areas.