The Islamic State group on Thursday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack at a cultural and religious centre in western Kabul earlier in the day, which killed at least 41 people and injured more than 80, BBC reported.

The suicide blast around 10.30 am local time was followed by two more explosions in the same area. The Taliban had immediately said that it was not involved.

The centre also has the office of the Afghan Voice news agency. Images from the scene showed the news agency’s office severely damaged after the explosion, Al Jazeera reported.

Some activists were present at the Tabyan social and cultural activity centre for a meeting when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives, TOLO News reported, quoting a witness.

The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee condemned the attack “in the strongest terms possible”.