‘Quake’ bomb kills 90
BBC man is among victims of massive blast as ISIS blamed for Kabul carnage
A MASSIVE bomb attack killed at least 90 civilians and wounded 460 people in Kabul yesterday. The powerful blast, which came from a sewage tanker filled with explosives, left a huge crater and locals said it made the “ground shake like an earthquake”. Among the dead were women and children. A BBC driver was also killed and four of its journalists injured. Islamic State has been blamed for the morning rush-hour attack close to the Afghan capital’s German Embassy. Al-jazeera reporter Qais Azimy said: “This is one of the biggest attacks in Afghanistan that I have ever seen. “It’s a very sad and very bloody day for the people of Kabul.” He cited sources claiming the death toll could hit 100 overnight. The bomb hit Kabul’s diplomatic quarter, seen as the safest area in the city. Its buildings – including the Presidential Palace and British Embassy – are heavily guarded and protected by blast walls. But the scene was one of devastation yesterday. Several buildings were heavily damaged and the German, Japanese and Pakistani embassies all said members of staff were among the injured. Wounded victims were seen drenched in blood. The Taliban denied any involvement, leaving IS as the prime suspect. It may have been retaliating for the US 11-ton bomb that was dropped on one of its bases last month, killing up to 90 fighters. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs condemned yesterday’s atrocity “in the strongest terms”. It added: “These heinous acts go against the values of humanity, as well as the values of peaceful Afghans.”