Blast near German Embassy in Kabul

Kabul, Jan 17, 2009: Three Afghan civilians were killed on Saturday in large blast outside the German Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul. At least four US troops have been wounded in the blast. A large tanker and several cars were burning on the scene and there were blood stains on the road as emergency workers ferried the bodies and several wounded to nearby hospitals.

Emergency vehicles raced to the Embassy and firefighters are attempting to extinguish the flames.

Meanwhile, Philipp Wendel, press officer for the German Embassy, said he cannot give any details. "Unfortunately we have a tight security situation right now. I can't give you any information."

The German Embassy sits across the street from a US base in Kabul. US spokesman Lt. Col Chris Kubik says four US service members have suffered shrapnel wounds from the blast.

(Agencies)