DHAKA: The death toll from a huge explosion in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday has more than doubled to 64 people.

The government says, reports the BBC.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi tweeted that 64 ‘innocent Afghans’ were killed and 347 wounded.

A suicide attacker detonated a vehicle and a fierce gun battle followed in one of the deadliest attacks in Kabul for years.

A Taliban spokesman said the group carried out the attack.

It came a week after it said it was launching its ‘spring offensive’, warning of large-scale attacks, although the group fights all year round.

Tuesday's bombing happened during the morning rush hour in Pul-e-Mahmud, a busy neighborhood where homes, mosques, schools and businesses nestle close to the ministry of defense, other ministries and military compounds.

The blast shattered windows up to 1.6km away.

A police officer told the Associated Press it was one of the most powerful explosions he had ever heard, and he could not see or hear anything for 20 minutes after.

BDST: 1924 HRS, APR 20, 2016
RR