The fire broke out at customs in Islam Qala, in the province of Herat, in western Afghanistan.
Photos from the scene show high flames and clouds of thick black smoke, visible even from a distance.
At least 17 people were injured and were taken to the Islam Qala clinic and Herat Regional Hospital, according to Mohammad Rafiq Sherzai, a spokeswoman for Herat’s public health department. No additional information is available on victims.
“Everyone was terrified. They were running away. The cars were stuck,” witness Khalil Ahmad told TOLO News.
Herat Governor Waheed Qatali said the authorities sought help from Iran as the Afghan side lacked the resources to put out the big fire.
Iran will send relief and rescue teams to the region to assist in emergency response efforts, as requested by Herat officials, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Iran’s state-owned Press TV reported that the damage occurred on the Afghan side of the border and did not affect Iranian customs.
“So far there have been no reports of damage to the Dogharoon border terminal,” said Omid Jahankhah, supervisor of customs offices in the Iranian province of Razavi Khorasan, according to Press TV.
According to Press TV, Iran is a major supplier of goods to Afghanistan and the terminals are usually filled with fuel tanks.