Kabul explosion: At least 29 killed as blast targets protest march

Story by Independent
Written by Rachel Pells

The blast took place during a protest march staged by the Hazara community over plans for a controversial new power line to be built through their home province.

Afghan authorities had closed off streets across Kabul in preparation for the demonstration by ethnic Hazaras demanding a planned power line be rerouted through their poverty-stricken province.

At least 29 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in an explosion targetting a large demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Thousands of members of the Afghan Hazara minority group had been marching through the city during the planned protest over plans for a controversial new power line.

Local news sources have reported that a suicide bomber was behind the blast, but officials are yet to confirm the cause.

Mohammad Ismail Kawousi, a spokesman for the ministry of public health, said at least 29 dead and 142 wounded had been taken to nearby hospitals but the numbers may change. Other reports have put the death toll at more than 50.