Kabul blast: Dozens of casualties in Afghan capital

A huge explosion has hit the Afghan capital, Kabul, close to foreign embassies and the presidential palace.

The latest figures from the Afghan health ministry say at least nine people have been killed and 84 injured.

Early reports say the blast was caused by a vehicle bomb in central Zanbaq Square, with windows and doors blown out hundreds of metres away.

Images on social media show a large cloud of black smoke over the city and a series of destroyed vehicles.

The BBC's Harun Nazafijada in Kabul describes a chaotic scene with people being transferred to hospital.

Our correspondent says burnt-out cars are one indication of the blast's force. Images of shattered glass carpeting a large area of the square are also being shared widely on social media.

Basir Mujahid a spokesman for Kabul police, told Reuters news agency: "It was a car bomb near the German embassy, but there are several other important compounds and offices near there too. It is hard to say what the exact target is." - Read More

Kabul blast: Dozens of casualties in Afghan capital - BBC