Fire Erupts During Excavation at Korangi Crossing, Remains Uncontrolled After 31 Hours
Karachi:A fire that broke out during excavation work at Korangi Crossing has remained uncontrollable for 31 hours, with efforts to extinguish it still unsuccessful. The fire erupted as a local construction company was drilling over 1100 feet deep for a tube well when methane gas, under high pressure, ignited.
According to Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed, the methane gas is escaping from the ground under significant pressure. He stated that any attempt to put out the fire could cause the gas to spread throughout the area, potentially affecting the local residents. “We can only control the fire once the pressure of the gas decreases,” Ahmed explained, adding that it could take two to three days to fully control the blaze.
Meanwhile, the former Managing Director of Pakistan Petroleum Limited suggested that the fire was caused by biogenic gas and could take one to one-and-a-half weeks to extinguish completely.
In addition, Sui Southern Gas Company confirmed that they have no installations near the Korangi Crossing area. Sikkander Memon, CEO of Pakistan Petroleum Limited, mentioned that the gas is not hazardous but stated that the size of the gas reserve is still unknown. They are currently testing water samples, and further details will be available in a few days.
