A suicide car bomber attacked a government compound in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province Wednesday, killing at least seven people and wounding 41 others.
The complex in Lashgar Gah houses the governor as well as the head of the provincial council. Provincial government spokesman Omar Zwak and local district governor Haji Fatihullah were among those wounded in the blast.
"I was in a gathering inside the governor's compound when the blast happened and I became unconscious," Fatihullah said. "When I opened my eyes, I found myself in hospital. I don't know how many people were killed or wounded in the blast."
A suicide bomber detonated a car full of explosives at the back wall of the Helmand governor's compound and the adjacent residence of the head of the provincial council, provincial police chief Nabi Jan Mullahkheil told The Associated Press.
Helmand governor Mohammad Nahim Balouch was not at the compound at the time of the attack.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes as Afghan troops press an offensive against the militant group in Helmand.
