The Kabul Tribune (KT) — A fire at the Islam Qala customs facility in western Afghanistan destroyed 15 fuel tankers, Taliban authorities in Herat said Thursday.
The fire broke out Wednesday evening at the border customs facility in Herat province. Taliban officials said the blaze caused no casualties and was brought under control after extensive firefighting efforts.
Three other fuel tankers were partially damaged, according to details released by the Taliban police command in Herat.
Local sources earlier told Afghanistan International that a major fire had erupted at the facility, where hundreds of tankers carrying gas and petroleum products were parked nearby.
Videos obtained by Afghanistan International showed drivers trying to move their vehicles away from the area as the fire spread. Some drivers could be heard expressing concern and anger over the situation.
A similar fire broke out at the parking area of the same customs facility in February 2021. Hundreds of tankers and other vehicles carrying petroleum products were destroyed, and dozens of people were injured. Local officials at the time said there were no fatalities.
Iranian firefighters helped extinguish the 2021 blaze.
