The 'Gateway to Hell' crater in Turkmenistan, known for its continuous flames lasting over 50 years, is reportedly dimming due to a reduced flow of natural gas. Formed in 1971 by a Soviet drilling accident, the pit became a significant tourist attraction and a methane emissions source. Officials reported that the fires are now three times smaller and only visible nearby. Irina Luryeva from Turkmengaz noted the notable reduction in visibility of the blaze, which once could be seen from kilometers away, marking an end to its long-lasting inferno.
Irina Luryeva, a director at state-owned energy company Turkmengaz, stated that 'Before a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometres away, hence the name "Gateway to Hell". Today only a faint source of combustion remains.'
The flames in the crater are beginning to dim due to a reduced flow of natural flammable gas, as officials say the fires are now three times smaller than in the past.
The 'Gateway to Hell', known officially as the 'Shining of Karakum', is a 230-foot-wide sinkhole located in Turkmenistan's Karakum desert, where gas fires create an unearthly glow.
The exact origin of the pit was covered up by officials when the country was part of the Soviet Union, leaving behind no official record of the incident.
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