A deadly explosion occurred in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire, killing at least five people and injuring 35 others.

The blast took place in the western part of the city, causing a massive fire that damaged nearby vehicles and buildings.

Dejan Panic, the Afghanistan Director of the humanitarian organization EMERGENCY, said in a statement that “ambulances full of injured people began to arrive, and we learned that explosions had taken place just a few kilometers from our hospital. So far, 40 people have been brought in, including women and children. Ten are in critical condition, and sadly, five were already dead upon arrival.”

Panic confirmed that a total of 40 victims, including the deceased, were taken to EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre in Kabul, noting that the death toll could rise as the situation develops.According to local reports, Taliban officials said the explosion was caused by a technical fault in the tanker and not by a deliberate attack.

Rescue teams and emergency workers continue efforts to extinguish the fire and clear the area, while investigations are ongoing.(ILKHA)