VOICED: Hidden fire chokes last life from US ghost town

Centralia, Pennsylvania, once a thriving town, is now largely abandoned due to an underground coal fire that started accidentally 50 years ago. The fire, which cannot be contained, led to the evacuation of most residents, leaving only a few behind. Today, Centralia attracts tourists curious about the ongoing fire and its effects. The fire continues to burn, with experts predicting it could last for a century or more.

What caused the town of Centralia to become uninhabitable?

• A massive flood

• A severe earthquake

• A vast coal fire

• A volcanic eruption

Why did the state government force most residents to leave Centralia?

• The town was flooded

• The coal fire released dangerous gases

• The town was hit by a tornado

• The town was overrun by wildlife

What has Centralia become known for in recent years?

• A new residential area

• A tourist attraction for its underground fire

• A site for coal mining

• A popular hiking destination

What is a notable feature of the abandoned highway in Centralia?

• It is lined with trees

• It is covered in water

• It is filled with parked cars

• It has an enormous crack with smoke pouring out

How long do experts believe the Centralia fire might continue to burn?

• It has already burned out

• A decade

• A few more years

• A century or more