The first person inside the 'Gates of Hell'

Published: Sept. 20, 2023, 9 a.m.

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In November 2013 George Kourounis arrived in the Turkmenistan desert.

He was determined to become the first person to enter the Darvaza Crater.

The crater is a burning natural gas field that has been on fire for at least 50 years and has become known as the 'Gates of Hell.'

On 6 November, George put on a giant silver aluminium suit and began his descent into the crater.

He says he felt like a giant baked potato!

George shares memories of the adventure with Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty.

(Photo: George Kourounis in the Darvaza Crater. Credit: George Kourounis)

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