Deadly bomb attack in Kabul kills 40, hundreds injured

Kabul, January 27: At least 40 people are dead and 140 injured after a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Attackers drove an ambulance laden with explosives past a police checkpoint into a street that was closed to public transport.

The bomber had been driving an ambulance packed with explosives which blew up in a crowded area near the old interior ministry building just before 1 pm local time, officials said.

Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber had used the ambulance to pass through one checkpoint, saying he was taking a patient to a nearby hospital.

When he reached the second checkpoint, he was recognized and blew up the vehicle. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh said: "The latest toll from Kabul hospitals stands at 40 martyred and 140 wounded." Among the buildings in the area are the High Peace Council and Kabul's police headquarters.

Hasina Safi, a member of High Peace Council, which is charged with negotiating with the Taliban, told: "It targeted our checkpoint."It was really huge - all our windows are broken.

"So far we don't have any reports if any of our members are wounded or killed."

Officials said the death toll would probably continue to rise as casualties were brought to hospitals for medical attention.