Massive fire engulfs Afghan port bordering Iran

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - A massive fire broke out on Saturday in a dry port in western Afghanistan, officials said.

The fire engulfed scores of oil and gas tankers in the Islam Qala Port bordering Iran.

Herat province's Governor Sayed Abdul Wahid Qatali said the reason of the fire and damage caused by it could not be immediately assessed. However, he added, the blaze was so big that neighboring Iran was asked for help in controlling it.

Mohammad Rafiq Sherzai, spokesman for the Health Department, told Anadolu Agency that at least 10 people with fire burns were rushed to the public hospital. He feared the casualties could rise.

Visuals circulating on social media showed towering flames engulfing a large area in one of the busiest dry ports of land-locked Afghanistan.

Afghanistan relies on imported petroleum products from Iran and the Central Asian states that are usually brought to the country from Islam Qala Port.