The director of the provincial hospital said 30 bodies in 24 injured people have been transported there, adding that all of the victims were security personnel.

The blast targeted a compound of the Public Protection Force, a wing of the Afghan security forces.

Local officials said it damaged civilian residences around the compound.

Interior Ministry spokesman Tarik Aryan confirmed that there had been a car bomb blast, but didn't provide further information on the target or possible casualties.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghanistan has seen a spate of car bombings over the last few months despite talks being underway to negotiate peace with the Taliban.