Massive car bomb blast rocks Afghan capital, leaving casualties

KABUL - A powerful car bombing rocked a diplomatic district in the central part of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Wednesday morning, leaving casualties and damage, sources and witnesses said.

"The blast occurred roughly at 08:25 am (local time) at 17th street of Wazir Akbar Khan locality. The huge explosion left tens of people killed and injured and damaged dozen vehicles running and nearby buildings," witness Ahmad Fahim told Xinhua.

About 60 injured people were admitted to nearby hospitals after the blast, local TV channel Tolo News quoted health officials as saying.

Local TV channels showed the damaged buildings and cars on the blast site.

"Among other office buildings located at the area are an intelligence agency office, a local TV channel, a mobile phone company as well as German Embassy building," the witness said.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.

Several warning shots were also fired by the security forces.

The blast caused a plume of grey smoke to rise above the scene.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.