Explosion hits Kabul shopping centre, hotel

KABUL - Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, was hit by a large explosion Friday morning, officials said.

The explosion occurred at the City Centre shopping complex and hotel, about 300 metres from the interior ministry, said Abdul Ghavar Sayedzadar, a senior police official.

The explosion was followed by a second one a short time later, he said. No official information about casualties was immediately available. Police cordoned off the area.

A reporter with DPA at the scene said police surrounded the shopping complex and an exchange of heavy gunfire took place.

Pools of blood could be seen on the ground, he said. The ground was also covered with broken glass from the explosion, which, according to the witness, occurred at a building in front of the hotel, from which he could see smoke emanating.

Few people were on the streets on the rainy morning, a public holiday, other witnesses said.

The hotel at the top floor of the shopping centre is popular with Westerners.