After clumsy Soviet scientists set alight an underground pocket of gas in 1971, the 'Gateway to Hell' crater in Turkmenistan has been burning constantly until efforts were made to stop the flames The 'Gateway to Hell' is a natural gas field in Derweze, Turkmenistan (Image: Getty Images )

Scientists claim the infamous Gateway to Hell crater in Turkmenistan that has been burning constantly since 1971 is finally closing.

Blundering Soviet scientists started the blazing pit over 50 years ago, accidentally drilled into an underground pocket of gas and set it alight. And it’s been burning ever since. But now officials say the flames are around three times smaller than in the past and can only be seen when right up close. According to experts the reduced flow of natural flammable

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