According to a statement from the Kabul governor’s office, the explosion occurred in Police District 21 while the family was using a gas heater to warm their home during the winter cold. Officials said a gas leak caused the cylinder to explode, leading to the fatalities.

Details about the victims were not immediately released, and no information was provided on the extent of the damage to nearby homes.

The incident follows a similar tragedy earlier this week in eastern Afghanistan. On Thursday, three women were killed and another person was injured in a gas-related explosion in Khost province, officials said.

Such accidents are common during Afghanistan’s harsh winters, as most households lack access to modern heating systems. Many families rely on gas cylinders or traditional stoves, which can be dangerous when safety standards are poor or equipment is faulty.

Gas leaks and explosions remain a persistent risk across the country, particularly in impoverished areas, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to safe heating options. (ILKHA)