Kabul blaze death toll mounts to 11

KABUL): Eleven people were killed and nearly 155 others injured when gas cylinders stored in a factory exploded, igniting a massive blaze in the Paktia Kot locality on the eastern outskirts of central capital Kabul, authorities said on Thursday.

Kabul police spokesman Hashmatullah Stanikzai said 11 individuals died in the fire that let 155 others injured. As of 11am, a low-intensity fire raged at the site, he told Pajhwok Afghan News.   

On Wednesday afternoon gas cylinders stored in factories exploded, triggering a huge fire that damaged nearby houses and shops. Nearly seven companies were extensively damaged in the incident. 

Officials on Wednesday night said two people died and 54 others suffered injuries. Ministry of Public Health spokesman Dr. Ghulam Sakhi Kargar Noor Awghali confirmed eight dead bodies and 83 injured people were brought to the Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan, Istiqlalal and Jamhooriat hospitals.

At least 20 victims, mostly male workers of the companies, were in critical condition, he said.

Police chief Brig. Gen. Mohammad Ayub Salangi said shrapnel landed in nearby houses, when the gas cylinders exploded, forcing residents to vacate the area.

One eyewitness said the blasts took place at around 4:30 pm in the Pul-i-Charkhi neighbourhood near a base of French troops.

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