10 killed as minibus hits roadside bomb near Mogadishu

No immediate claim of responsibility for explosion on road frequently used by government and security vehicles.

A roadside bomb has struck a minibus near Somalia's capital, killing at least 10 people and wounding 12 others, the government said.

The deadly explosion occurred near Lafole village along the Afgoye-Mogadishu road where the passenger bus was travelling early Sunday.

"At least 10 civilians were killed in an explosion at Lafole area this morning, those who died were all civilians," the information ministry said in a statement, adding that the victims were on their way to a funeral.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which occurred on a road used frequently by government and security vehicles.

Witnesses said the minibus was completely destroyed, and described an horrific scene with everyone on board either dead or wounded and many bodies ripped apart or burned beyond recognition.

"I carried four dead people including my father in law," Nur Haji Ahmed told Reuters from Madina hospital in Mogadishu, where the wounded were taken. He had rushed to the scene after a phone call from a relative.

Source: www.aljazeera.com