At least 63 people have been killed after a powerful blast rocked a wedding reception in the western part of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. Nearly two hundred people have been injured.
The explosion that ripped through the wedding hall bustling with guests claimed 63 lives, Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahim confirmed early Sunday, adding that another 182 people have suffered injuries.
Breaking – Death toll rises to 63 in suicide #bombing at Kabul #wedding hall. Interior Ministry spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said more than 180 others were wounded in the blast. pic.twitter.com/a9PD3If3F7
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 18, 2019
Witnesses said the building was packed with guests when the blast struck, as it’s an Afghani tradition to invite hundreds of people to weddings.
Videos on social media showed shocked women screaming and crying outside the Shahr-e-Dubai wedding hall.
#Break:
Footage from a alleged suicide attack in a wedding all in west of Kabul #Kabul where tens of people killed and wounded.
Eyewitnesses say.@TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/OX5FmQzbDl— Miraqa Popal (@MiraqaPopal) August 17, 2019
Gruesome photos reportedly were taken at the scene of the tragedy pictured bodies scattered on the floor amid overturned tables and chairs.
Conflicting reports have emerged as to the number of people killed and injured in the apparent suicide bombing.
He is looking for his brothers. “Don’t go in, the situation is critical.” pic.twitter.com/zLwLgN9ish
— fatima faizi (@FatmaFaizi) August 17, 2019
Tolo News reported earlier on Sunday, citing sources, that at least 40 people were killed and over 100 people were injured in the blast.