TALUQAN, Afghanistan, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire engulfed a wood market in Taluqan city, capital of Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar on Friday, a local official said.
"The fire broke out at around midday in an industrial and construction wood market. The provincial fire brigade has dispatched several fire engines and personnel to put out the fire. They arrived at the site shortly after the incident was reported," a security official told Xinhua anonymously.
The cause of the blaze remained unknown.
"There is fear of possible causalities. So far, we have no more details, but we will try to get more information," the source added.
The fire has caused serious damage to the shops but details will be shared with media later on the day after an ongoing investigation, the official noted.
Local TV channels showed a huge blaze engulfing several shops, sending a heavy smoke into the air.
