Kabul, June 07: Six people were killed and 16 injured today when an explosion hit an International Security Assistance Force troops` bus in the Afghan capital, Kabul Deputy Garrison Commander said. "Six people were killed and 16 wounded in the explosion," Deputy Commander Afzal Aman said. Aman, who was at the scene, said all the dead were ISAF troops.

British ISAF contingent spokeswoman Major Sarah wood only confirmed one person had been killed and several injured in the explosion.

The blast, which happened on the main route to the eastern city of Jalalabad, left several dead bodies lying by the side of the road. The bus itself was thrown off the road by the force of the blast. The explosion occurred around five kilometres east of the city between the Centre of Kabul and the German ISAF base.

"It involved an ISAF bus," Major Wood confirmed. "Our first priority is dealing with the injured and then we can start to look into the cause of the explosion."

Afghan police and emergency vehicles arrived minutes after the blast and peackeeping International Security Assistance Force troops blocked off the road to traffic.

"British ISAF troops are on the ground to try and see what happened," Major Wood said.

The 4,600-strong ISAF peacekeeping force is responsible for security in the Afghan capital and is currently under joint German-Dutch Command.

Bureau Report