Death toll rises to 21 school explosion

Provincial officials on Thursday said the number of people killed in an explosion in the northern Afghan city of Aibak has risen to 21.

Officials from the country’s ruling Taliban said the incident happened during midday prayers at the school, adding that at least 24 people were injured in the explosion at a religious school.

A video that was widely shared on social media after the incident showed fallen ceiling pieces and people walking around upset among several lifeless bodies.

The video could not be independently verified, and the cause of the explosion was not known.

However, attacks by Islamic State militants have been common since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021.

(dpa/NAN)