Picture Soviet geologists in Turkmenistan in 1971, drilling for natural gas. The ground suddenly collapses into a massive crater. What unexpected phenomenon did they accidentally trigger, leading to the "Door to Hell" burning continuously for over half a century?

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AhaDaily · Accepted Answer

They drilled into a vast underground natural gas cavern, which promptly ignited and has been burning ever since Aha! The "Door to Hell" isn't a natural wonder but an accidental creation by Soviet geologists who drilled into a methane-rich cavern. They lit it up to prevent toxic gas spread, expecting it to burn out in weeks, but it's been raging for over 50 years! This isn't just a wild tale! In 1971, Soviet geologists were exploring for natural gas near Darvaza, Turkmenistan, when their drilling rig collapsed into a large cavern filled with natural gas. According to a 2014 BBC report featuring Canadian explorer George Kourounis, who visited the site, locals confirmed the Soviets believed lighting the gas would burn off the methane within weeks. Talk about a miscalculation! Even Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow ordered it to be extinguished in 2010, but nope, it's still burning strong. What a fiery legacy of an "oopsie"!

Picture Soviet geologists in Turkmenistan in 1971, drilling for natural gas. The ground suddenly collapses into a massive crater. What unexpected phenomenon did they accidentally trigger, leading to the "Door to Hell" burning continuously for over half a century?

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