Major Fire Destroys Kabul Market, Causes $700,000 in Losses

A massive fire tore through the historic Mandawi market in Kabul early on Sunday, destroying dozens of shops and causing an estimated $700,000 in financial losses, Afghan officials said.

The blaze broke out before dawn in a footwear section of Mandawi, one of Kabul’s oldest and busiest wholesale trading hubs. The market is known for selling imported goods, including shoes, clothing and household items, and serves as a vital commercial center for traders across the capital.

Images shared on social media showed thick plumes of smoke and towering flames engulfing tightly packed rows of shops, highlighting the scale of the destruction. Local authorities said the fire spread rapidly through the market due to the density of the stalls and the flammable materials stored inside.

According to the Interior Ministry under the Taliban administration, the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Traders and safety experts say such incidents are common in Kabul’s commercial districts, where ageing wiring, overcrowded shops and limited enforcement of fire safety standards pose ongoing risks.

Officials said there were no reports of casualties, but warned that the incident underscores persistent safety challenges in the city’s markets. Afghan media agency Khaama Press reported that authorities are assessing the damage and reviewing safety conditions in the area.

The Mandawi fire has renewed calls from traders for improved infrastructure and stricter safety measures to protect livelihoods in Kabul’s vital commercial centers.