16 injured in gas cylinder explosion in N. Afghanistan

At least 16 people were injured when a gas cylinder exploded inside a residential house in northern Afghanistan's Faryab province on Wednesday evening, local officials said on Thursday.

The incident occurred in Faizabad area of Shirin Tagab district, where members of several families had gathered in the house. Among the injured were nine women and children, according to the report.

All the injured were transferred to the provincial hospital in neighboring Balkh province for treatment, where the condition of seven remains critical.

In many parts of Afghanistan, where access to electricity remains limited or unavailable, households frequently rely on gas for lighting and cooking. Improper handling or negligence in the use of gas-powered equipment can result in leaks and explosions, posing a serious threat to the safety of local residents.

xinhua