Blast in Afghan Capital Kills at Least Seven

AFP/APP

Kabul: At least seven people were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a blast in central Kabul on Monday, according to an international NGO operating a hospital in the Afghan capital.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported heavy emergency response following the explosion in the Shahr-e-Naw area, a busy street known for its flower shops and restaurants.

Italian NGO EMERGENCY said its nearby hospital received “seven people dead on arrival,” while 13 others were admitted to the surgical department.

“Among the wounded are four women and a child,” said Dejan Panic, the NGO’s country director, in a statement.

A flower shop owner, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the blast occurred at around 3:30 pm (1100 GMT) at the far end of the street from his business.

“I heard a strong explosion in the crowded area,” he told AFP. “It was an emergency situation, and everyone feared for their lives. I could see at least five wounded.”

Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said the explosion occurred “inside a hotel,” but did not provide further details on the cause.

The area, which also houses several restaurants, was cordoned off by police. An AFP journalist observed a police vehicle and a truck outside a restaurant, along with a car whose windows had been shattered by the blast.