Afghanistan: Thirty dead or injured in bus bomb
A bomb ripped through a police bus in a crowded civilian area in Afghanistan this morning, leaving about 30 people dead or wounded, an official and witnesses said.
The bus was carrying several police recruits in Kabul when the bomb went off inside it, leaving several dead, said police.
Ali Shah Paktiawal, Kabul police director of criminal investigation, said that initial reports indicated dozens of policemen were feared dead.
Afghan government spokesman Zemeri Bashary said 30 people were killed or wounded.
The roof of the bus was blown off and officers were pulling a number of bodies from the wreckage, according to a reporter at the scene. The explosion left the bus a charred wreck.
Dr Fazel Rahim, from a nearby hospital, said that 18 dead bodies were in the hospital courtyard, while 35 wounded were being treated inside the building.
“Most of the wounded are in serious condition,” said Dr Rahim, whose hands and white coat were covered in blood.
Wali Mohammad, an eyewitness who was driving his car just behind the bus, said: “There were a lot killed and wounded, both police and civilian.”
Mr Mohammad said that he “saw a big fire and dust in front of me”.
The blast happened at a crowded bus station, used by both police and civilians, near the Kabul governor’s house.
