At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a hotel in central Kabul on Monday, authorities in the Afghan capital confirmed.
According to Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran, the blast occurred in the Shahr-e-Naw commercial district, a high-security area that houses embassies, major office buildings and shopping centres, and is considered one of the safest parts of the city.
Footage circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising from the hotel, with debris scattered across the street and a large section of the building’s front facade blown apart.
Dejan Panic, Country Director of humanitarian organisation EMERGENCY in Afghanistan, said at least 20 injured individuals were brought to their hospital, including four women and a child.
“Unfortunately, seven people were already dead on arrival,” he said in a statement.
Authorities said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the explosion. No group has immediately claimed responsibility.
The incident comes despite the Taliban’s claims of restoring security after taking control of Afghanistan in 2021. However, deadly bombings have continued, many previously claimed by the local affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) group.