Nine killed in Kabul gas cylinder explosion: Afghan official

An Afghan official says at least nine people were killed when a gas cylinder exploded in Kabul. Wahidullah Mayar, spokesman for the Public Health Ministry, says several people were also injured in the late Saturday explosion inside a residential house in the Afghan capital. Such incidents are common in Afghanistan, especially during the bitterly cold winters.

Last week, a fire that began at a gas station in Kabul, spread overnight to a nearby apartment complex, killing three people and causing much damage. Authorities said 42 suffered burns and other injuries. A gas-filled tanker parked at the station caught fire, causing the blaze to spread quickly. A police investigation is still under way into that incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)