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Witness History: The first person inside the 'Gates of Hell'

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The first person inside the 'Gates of Hell'

20/09/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The first person inside the 'Gates of Hell'

In November 2013, George Kourounis descended into the 'Gates of Hell'

On the 6 November 2013 George Kourounis began his descent into the Darvaza Crater, also known as the 'Gates of Hell'.

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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