Dangerous chemicals are found in water samples collected from the site of a sustained underground fire in Karachi’s Korangi Creek area, according to a preliminary report from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL).

The fire that was ignited on March 29 during a 1,200-foot drilling drilling is not yet off. Experts suspect the fire was caused by unintended release of biogenic methane, triggered by underground plate disorders.

The initial chemical analysis detected elevated levels of benzene, toluene and tetrachlorethylene reported Express News.

Tetrachlorethylene was measured at 33 micrograms per day. Liter, six times the secure limit of 5 micrograms. Benzene was registered at 19 micrograms per day. Liter, while the toluaria reached 15 micrograms – both over triple the prescribed thresholds.

A slightly increased amount of o-Xylene was also present in the sample, although in relatively marginal surplus.

Despite these findings, it was found that the hydrocarbon concentration was within acceptable boundaries, suggesting that there was no immediate oil or gas spill in the water.

Experts warned that these chemicals are both toxic and potentially flammable, and warned that the situation could pose long -term risks to residents nearby.

No fire brigade units are currently implemented on stage and no foaming techniques are used to suppress the fire. Officials said the district administration has sealed the affected area and monitors the fire, which has reportedly increased in volume by 5% to 10% since last week.

Sindh -Energy Ministry has not issued any statement about the case. Meanwhile, Sui Southern Gas Company confirmed that none of its installations are located near the fire zone.