5The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

The Door to Hell is a surreal phenomenon created by humans rather than nature. Located in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, this massive crater is the result of a Soviet drilling accident in 1971. 

When engineers tapped into a natural gas cavern, the ground collapsed, creating a massive sinkhole. To prevent the release of dangerous methane gas, the decision was made to set the crater on fire. It has been burning ever since, and the sight of the fiery pit, particularly at night, is truly surreal.

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