Mysterious Korangi fire remains uncontrolled after six days
A raging fire near Korangi Crossing sends flames soaring into the sky, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the cause. PHOTO: Jalal Qureshi /EXPRESS
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A fire ignited during the excavation of a borehole in Korangi Creek, Karachi, is still burning, six days after the incident. The fire broke out following the drilling of a 1200-foot borehole.
Efforts to put out the blaze were halted on Saturday due to the severe heat, making it unsafe to continue the firefighting operation.
The authorities have since collected samples of water and sand from the area for chemical analysis, which will help determine the type and size of the gas present in the underground reservoir.
On the other hand, a geologist has highlighted the potential for large underground gas reserves in Karachi's Korangi Creek area.
Dr. Adnan Khan, Associate Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Geology, referred to 56 years of data from nearby oil and gas exploration wells, suggesting methane gas and possibly coal deposits in the area.
He explained that the fire was triggered by increased temperatures during drilling, which released trapped methane gas, a highly flammable substance.
Methane's explosive potential increases when mixed with air, and experts caution that the current gas emissions at the site exceed 15%, requiring urgent precautions.
Dr. Khan pointed out that Korangi Creek's 25-million-year-old rocks contain natural water reserves and methane, which, combined with the area's geological features, could indicate significant hydrocarbon reserves.
A 2020 Chinese study identified gas and coal layers in Korangi Creek, further supporting the possibility of valuable underground resources.
However, the presence of structural traps, faults, and fractures in the area also allowed gas to rise to the surface, causing the fire.
He warned that the fire could persist for weeks, posing hazardous risks to the surrounding population due to continuous carbon dioxide emissions.
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