Deep in the heart of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert, there’s a giant flaming crater that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Locals call it the Door to Hell — and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
This blazing pit has been burning non-stop since 1971, and no, this isn’t a myth or a movie plot. It’s real.
So, how did this fiery hole come to be?
Well, it all started when Soviet geologists were drilling in search of natural gas. During their exploration, the ground beneath their equipment suddenly collapsed, creating a massive crater. Fearing the release of toxic gases, they decided to ignite the gas, thinking it would burn off in a few days.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
More than five decades later, the fire is still going strong, fueled by the natural gas continuously seeping from the Earth’s crust. The crater is roughly 70 meters wide and 30 meters deep — and it glows day and night like an open wound in the desert floor.
Despite its ominous nickname, the Door to Hell has become a curious tourist attraction. Adventurous travelers from around the world make their way to this remote desert just to witness the surreal, fiery spectacle. It’s especially breathtaking at night, when the flames dance against the darkness and the heat rises from the glowing pit.
There have been talks in recent years about extinguishing the fire to reduce environmental impact, but for now, the flames continue to burn — a strange and haunting reminder of how unpredictable nature (and human decisions) can be.
Who would’ve thought an accident in the desert would create one of the world’s most fascinating burning landmarks?
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