The death toll in a mass fire in Salang Tunnel has increased to 31 with the rescuing teams working to take more victims from the debris. Officials said casualties may rise. 

More than 37 more were wounded in the incident, said Sharafat Zaman Amerkhail, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health.

“At least 40 people were rescued in the first phase. At least 31 bodies were taken out of the tunnel until Monday morning,” Amerkhail said. 

The highway is closed to traffic and many people and vehicles are stranded on the two sides of the tunnel. 

“We have been here for the past two days. Women, children, and elders are with us. We are waiting for when the route will be reopened,” said Abdul Hafeez, a Baghlan resident.

The Ministry of Public Works said the fire had been fully extinguished, but the highway remained shut as the teams are cleaning the ruins. 

“The cleaning of the tunnel is underway and the highway is closed to traffic. We call on our beloved countrymen to stop traveling through the highway until the next announcement,” said Hameedullah Musbah, a spokesman for the ministry. 

The rescue operation was conducted in coordination with many government institutions including the Defense Ministry. 

“At least 100 Mujahideens (forces) who were on the two sides were engaged in the rescue operation. The medical team from the Defense Ministry went to the area,” said Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry. 

The Ministry of Public Works said that 13 trucks loaded with gas and coal have been taken out from the tunnel.

According to local officials, blasts after the fire have affected the tunnel.