A fire ripped through an underground market in Mazar‑i‑Sharif, capital of Balkh province, Afghanistan, on Friday night, according to Xinhua. The blaze tore through Bakhtar Market, reducing at least 135 shops to ash. Local media outlet TOLOnews reported the fire gutted clothing, footwear and tourist‑office stalls, inflicting heavy losses on traders. No human casualties have been reported to date.
Xinhua notes that the investigation into the cause of the fire has already begun, with teams dispatched to the scene. The preliminary analysis does not indicate any immediate evidence of arson or negligence, but officials say a thorough inquiry is underway.
The market, which operates underground to avoid harsh weather, hosted a variety of clothing shops, footwear outlets and a tourist office that served visitors to the region. Traders reported that the fire started abruptly near a display of faux leather jackets, but the cause remains unidentified.
Local authorities urge businesses to resume operations once the site is declared safe. Residents and traders have started to regroup around makeshift shelters, while aid agencies prepare to provide emergency assistance. The incident comes amid ongoing challenges for Afghanistan’s small‑business community.
The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of underground commercial spaces in the region. Xinhua notes that the blaze caused extensive damage, with many shop owners losing their entire inventory. While no injuries were reported, traders are calling for better emergency response measures.
City officials announced that an inquiry would be conducted to ascertain the origin of the fire, and that authorities would review fire‑protection systems in similar markets. The Xinhua report added that the investigation would involve local and provincial fire departments, as well as independent experts.