A big explosion took place near Indian Embassy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Wednesday. As per reports at least 80 people have been killed and over 300 others are said to be wounded in the truck blast.
Authorities warned the toll could further rise.
“They are still bringing bodies and wounded people to hospitals,” senior health ministry spokesman Ismael Kawoosi told AFP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is in Spain condemned the attack and said India stands with Afghanistan in fighting all types of terrorism.
We strongly condemn the terrorist blast in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2017
External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said that Indian Embassy staff in Kabul are safe.
By God’s grace, Indian Embassy staff are safe in the massive #Kabul blast.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 31, 2017
The German Gate is the entry point to the road in the diplomatic area which houses missions of several countries, the closes being the German Embassy.
Pictures of immediate aftermath of Kabul explosion, Afghan Health Ministry says 60 people wounded so far. pic.twitter.com/Jxjl6JTIIk
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2017
Witnesses told media that dozens of cars were blocking roads and some wounded people could be seen.
The Islamic State group has also claimed responsibility for several recent bombings in the Afghan capital, including a powerful blast targeting an armoured NATO convoy that killed at least eight people and wounded 28 on May 3.
The blast was the latest in a long line of attacks in the Afghan capital. Kabul province had the highest number of casualties in the first three months of 2017 thanks to multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
In March last year, the Indian consulate in Afghanistan’s Jalalabad city was attacked by terrorists, leading to the death of nine people.
(With inputs from agencies).