A fire that broke out during deep excavation at Korangi Crossing in Karachi has not been brought under control even after 31 hours, as reported by national media.
According to a report, the intensity of the fire remains high. A local construction company was drilling over 1,100 feet deep for a tube well when the fire suddenly erupted.
Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed has confirmed that methane gas is escaping from the ground with high pressure. He stated that if an attempt is made to extinguish the fire now, the gas could spread in the area and affect local residents.
Humayun Ahmed further explained that the fire can only be controlled once the gas pressure decreases, which could take two to three days.
Meanwhile, a former Managing Director of Pakistan Petroleum Limited stated that the fire is due to biogenic gas and could take one to one and a half weeks to extinguish.
On the other hand, Sui Southern Gas Company clarified that it has no installations near Korangi Crossing. Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s Chief Operating Officer Sikandar Memon said that the gas is not dangerous, but the exact size of the gas deposit is unknown. Water samples are being taken, and more details will be available in a few days.
