KABUL: A powerful explosion followed by a massive fire rocked Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, on Monday, sending thick black smoke billowing across the city and prompting the deployment of emergency responders.
According to international media reports, the blast occurred in the Parwan-e-Se area of Kabul’s Fourth Police District, a sensitive part of the city. The explosion was heard across several neighborhoods, alarming residents.
Videos and images circulating on social media showed dense plumes of black smoke rising into the sky as ambulances rushed to the scene. Afghan media reported that several fuel tankers caught fire during the incident, intensifying the blaze.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents gathered at a distance while emergency teams worked to contain the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area was reportedly disrupted, and authorities urged people to avoid the vicinity until the situation was brought under control.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion or whether it resulted in any casualties. It also remains unclear whether the initial explosion triggered the tanker fires or if the tankers exploded after the fire broke out.
The Taliban administration had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
