Kabul, January 27: An ambulance packed with explosives blew up in a crowded area of Kabul today, killing at least 40people and wounding 140 others, officials said, in an attack claimed by the Taliban. "The latest toll from Kabul hospitals stands at 40martyred and 140 wounded," health ministry spokesman WaheedMajroh told AFP.

Afghanistan’s capital Kabul continues to be under terrorist attack. The blast took place at the Sadarat square in the centre of the city, a prime location with Indian and other foreign embassies and other government buildings. This fresh attack comes just a week after an ambush on the Intercontinental Hotel, killing more than 20 people. Taliban who was behind the attack on the hotel has also claimed responsibility for the blast.

Nasrat Rahimi, interior ministry deputy spokesman, confirmed the Saturday morning attack and was quoted saying to AFP, "The suicide bomber used an ambulance to pass through the checkpoint."

The Italian NGO Emergency stated the victims have been taken to its hospital in the city, with its coordinator Dejan Panic tweeting that it had been a "massacre". Earlier, AFP reporters heard a loud explosion that rattled the windows of their compound and photos posted online purportedly of the blast showed a huge plume of smoke rising into the sky.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2018 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).