Afghanistan, Oct. 31 -- A fire at an underground commercial market in Mazar-e-Sharif has destroyed more than 200 shops, leaving traders facing heavy financial losses, local sources say.
The fire broke out on Friday in the southern section of Bakhtar Market, in the centre of Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, according to sources on Saturday, October 31.
The sources said more than 200 shops were burned in the blaze. Some shopkeepers said they had lost their entire investments, although the full extent of the damage has not yet been established.
A short circuit in the market's electrical wiring is believed to have caused the fire. However, authorities have not released a final determination of its cause.
Reports state...