Coalition aids in Kabul gas blast response

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 5 (UPI) -- Coalition emergency services personnel are providing support to Afghan emergency personnel following a propane explosion in Kabul, officials said.

Officials said a short circuit is thought to be the cause of Wednesday's fuel- and gas-tanker explosion that killed several civilians and wounded many more, the International Security Assistance Force said Thursday in a release.

A health official said at least eight people died, China's state-run Xinhua reported.

"The death toll of a gas reservoir explosion which broke out in Pul-e-Charkhi industrial park east of Kabul late Wednesday has raised to eight killed and 83 other injured," the Health Ministry spokesman said.

Firefighting teams from several coalition installations responded to the fire, providing assistance to Kabul firefighters for several hours to combat the blaze and treat the injured, the ISAF said. Also, some patients were taken to an ISAF medical facility for initial treatment and coalition medical experts were aiding Afghan counterparts.

"While this is a tragic accident that affected many families, it shows that in times of crisis our emergency services must band together to respond quickly and effectively to protect the lives and property of the Afghan people," said Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander.