A massive fire inside the premises of a private housing society in Korangi Creek, Karachi, continued to rage almost 12 hours after it started at midnight on Friday. After the gas utility company refuted initial reports that one of its pipelines was involved, reports emerged that the fire was caused by 1,000 feet deep drilling in the society to extract underground water.

Seven fire brigade vehicles were engaged in firefighting efforts, utilizing foam to manage the third-degree blaze.

In a statement Sui Southern Gas Company said that there are no facilities belonging to the organization in the area. “However, upon receiving the news, our technical teams promptly arrived at the scene and confirmed that there are no Sui Southern pipelines in the vicinity of the fire,” the statement said.

While initially fire brigade officials suggested that the blaze was likely originating from a gas line, after the SSGC clarification some local residents told reporters that an 1,800-foot deep drilling was conducted in the society for water.

According to reports, the drilling for a water boring had been completed; however, during the process of retrieving the pipe today, an underground gas leak occurred. Shortly thereafter, the gas ignited, causing smoke to spread around the refinery area.

Latest reports suggested authorities were preparing to fill up the drilled hole using sand.

Fire brigade authorities reported that fire departments from across the city have been summoned to respond to the situation. Due to the high intensity of the fire, foam is being utilized in the firefighting efforts.

A spokesperson for the Water Corporation stated that water supply to the fire brigade is being maintained without interruption from the Landhi hydrant, and water tankers have arrived at the scene.

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Rescue sources have reported no casualties. However, smoke from the fire has created difficulties for local residents in nearby areas.

Officials stated that an accurate assessment of the damage could only be made once the firefighting operation is completed.

The blaze may take two to three days to be extinguished, fire brigade officials have warned. The fire has been classified as a third-degree blaze.

According to the Chief Fire Officer, the fire erupted in a natural gas reserve. For now, the firefighting operation has been halted.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori contacted Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi to express concern over the fire incident near Korangi Crossing.

He emphasized the need for immediate measures to control the blaze and facilitate the prompt provision of helicopters as necessary.