Korangi fire finally put out after 18 days

April 15, 2025 (MLN): The fire that had been raging for 18 consecutive days in Karachi’s Korangi area was suddenly extinguished, bringing temporary relief to the local community.

The blaze, which erupted during digging activity for a housing project late last month, is now believed to have been triggered by an excessive concentration of chemicals beyond permissible limits.

Last week, the federal government formed a committee of experts to carry out a comprehensive technical investigation to determine the cause and scope of the incident.

According to Farhat Imtiaz Janwari, spokesperson for the Sindh Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Petroleum has engaged the services of American firm Cudd Well Control to support the investigation.

In the meantime, technical teams from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL) jointly visited the affected site., as per the press release.

The inspection team, which included drilling, completion, and safety experts, reported that the borehole had expanded due to high gas volume and that hot water was still leaking from the area.

At the time of their assessment, the intensity of the fire had not subsided.

Although the flames have now been extinguished, gas emissions continue from the borehole, spreading a strong odor across the surrounding area.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have restricted access to the site for non-essential personnel to safeguard public safety.

The incident originally occurred on March 29, when a fire broke out during drilling at Korangi Creek.

Experts believe the fire may have been caused by a shallow underground gas reservoir.

Jamal Baqar, CEO of TPL RMC, explained that drilling had reached a depth of 1,200 feet and was intended for water extraction.

He also noted that prior soil testing had revealed no signs of gas deposits.

Just a day before the fire was extinguished, the Sindh Chief Secretary’s office had confirmed the possibility of consulting American specialists to assist in extinguishing the blaze near the nearby oil refinery.

Copyright Mettis Link News