28 killed as hidden arms cache explodes

AN ARMS cache hidden by an Afghan warlord exploded in a bunker beneath his home yesterday, killing 28 people and devastating surrounding buildings, officials said.

At least 70 people were injured, and there were fears that the death toll could rise. The weapons were stored in Bashgah, a village in Baghlan province, 75 miles north of Kabul, Interior Ministry spokesman Latfullah Mashal said.

“It’s damaged the whole village, including the mosque and six houses,” Mr Mashal said.