At least 89 people were killed and over 30 others wounded in a powerful explosion in the Orgun district of southeastern Paktika province of Afghanistan on Tuesday, said official.
Defense Ministry spokesman in the capital city Kabul, Gen. Zahir Azimi confirmed recovering over 89 dead bodies from the rubble.
"Our soldiers are still trying to recover bodies. Almost all of the shops have fallen," he added.
He added that most of the bodies recovered from the rubble were women and children and Afghan soldiers were busy looking for survivors.
The district's administrative chief, Malim Raza Kharotai told media that the blast occurred when the attacker drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a crowded district market.
He said a large number of people were shopping at the time of the massive explosion, which damaged a number of shops. Most of the dead were shopkeepers and civilians, he added.
The district chief feared the causalities could surge as many of the wounded were struggling for life.
The attack came at a time when the country is facing a political crisis after Independent Election Commission. (IEC) announced the lead of the presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani over his rival candidate in the preliminary results.