A fire ripped through an underground market in western Mazar‑i‑Sharif, the capital of Afghanistan’s Balkh province, on Friday night, reducing 135 retail shops to ash and inflicting heavy economic damage, local media ToLOnews reported Saturday. The blaze, which erupted in Bakhtar Market, tore through clothing stores, footwear outlets and tourist‑office stalls, leaving traders scrambling to salvage what they can, Xinhua reported and said no casualties had been reported.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Investigation teams have been dispatched to the scene and an inquiry is underway, the Xinhua bulletin noted. Local officials say the market floor was “teeming with goods” before the blaze began, but the exact trigger is still being questioned by the authorities.
Investigation Underway
Xinhua confirmed that a team of investigators has arrived at Bakhtar Market to collect evidence and determine the cause of the fire. Local security forces are also tasked with vetting the scene for any suspicious activity. The matter is under review by provincial authorities who are coordinating with Mazar‑i‑Sharif’s municipal council.
The incident has left many traders without a place to sell their products, and the economic impact is being assessed by local commerce groups. Preliminary estimates from local officials indicate a significant loss of inventory and revenue, largely confined to clothing, footwear and tourism‑related stalls, which serve both residents and visitors.
Police and fire fighters, according to Xinhua’s report, contained the blaze within a few hours to limit damage to the wider market area, and stated that there were no injuries among the 800 or so people who were present in the market at the time of the incident. The fire alarm was reported to have sounded soon after the fire started, allowing staff and traders to evacuate the premises.
City officials have urged traders to remain calm and to cooperate with investigations. The provincial governor has pledged to provide assistance to those affected, though specific aid packages have not yet been announced.
For now, the market remains closed, and officials are working to secure the site. The investigation’s findings will determine whether a wider review of market safety protocols is needed in Mazar‑i‑Sharif and across Balkh province. Stay tuned for further updates as details become available.”}