At first glance, it could be a dramatic scene from a science-fiction movie. But this giant hole of fire in the heart of the Karakum Desert is not the aftermath of an attack on Earth, launched from outer space. It is a crater made by geologists more than 40 years ago, and the flames within have been burning ever since.
Welcome to Derweze in Turkmenistan – or, as the locals have called it, ‘The Door to Hell’.
On the edge: Two people stand and look into the burning hole, which has become known as ‘The Door to Hell’
Illuminating: The hole in Derweze, Turkmenistan, is 70 metres wide and the flames within light up the sky
Light show: A spectacular view of the flames burning inside the crater in the heart of the Karakum Desert
Dramatic: The raging fire inside the crater has been burning for more than 40 years
Hot: A closer view of the fire inside the hole, which locals have named ‘The Door to Hell’
Fiery: The blaze began when geologists decided to burn off natural gas they discovered while drilling at the site
Soviet geologists were drilling at the site in 1971 and tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. But the ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a hole with a diameter of 70 metres.
What a waste of energy!
Wow!
wow ! wonder why did’nt they try to put out the fire ? Especially since they tried to burn off the gas. why et it burn for 40 years ??
could try pissing on it,there are no fire hydrants in the desert
Chilling!