KABUL, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and 79 others injured after a suicide car bomb blast rocked near Sidarat Square in central Kabul on Saturday, an official told Xinhua.

The blast occurred roughly at 12:50 p.m. local time (0820 GMT) near the Jamhoriat Hospital, where several government offices are located.

"The initial information found that 10 people were killed and the casualties figures may change," a security source told Xinhua near the site but requested anonymity.

Wahid Majroh, a public health ministry spokesman, confirmed to Xinhua that 79 injured had been shifted to Kabul hospitals after the deadly incident.

Among those affected by the blast were women and children, the source added.

The old building of the Afghan Interior Ministry is located at the area.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.?