More than 35 feared dead in Kabul bus bombing

A bomb ripped through a police bus today in a crowded civilian area in the Afghan capital, killing more than 35 people and wounding at least 35 others, officials and witnesses said.

Fazel Rahim, from a nearby hospital, said 18 bodies lay in the hospital courtyard, while more than 35 people wounded were being treated inside.

“Most of the wounded are in serious condition,” said Rahim, whose hands and white coat were covered in blood.

An Interior Ministry official said more than 35 people were killed in the attack. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing ministry policy.

The police academy bus was carrying several police recruits when the bomb went off inside it, said Zalmai Khan, the deputy police chief of Kabul province.

The thunderous explosion about 8:10 am local time, at a crowded bus station used by both police and civilians, was heard throughout central Kabul.

Ali Shah Paktiawal, Kabul police director of criminal investigation, said initial reports indicated that dozens of policemen were feared dead.

The roof of the bus was blown off and officers were pulling bodies from the wreckage, according to a reporter at the scene.

The blast twisted the bus into a charred skeleton and body parts were strewn as far as 30 yards from the bus. Hundreds of police and investigators were at the scene.