KHOST, Afghanistan, June 26 (Xinhua) -- A local interpreter with the U.S. -led Coalition forces died of injuries sustained in an explosion Friday afternoon in Khost city, provincial capital of Khost in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

    One police officer, who was reluctant to give his name, told Xinhua on the spot that it occurred at around 5 p.m. (1330 GMT) in a vegetable market in Khost city when the vehicle of an Afghan interpreter working for Coalition forces suddenly exploded causing the tragedy.

    Amir Baghcha Mangal, director of provincial Health Department, said the 26 years-old interpreter Mohammad Tahir died of wounds soon after reaching in hospital.

    "Another civilian near the vehicle was also wounded," he added.

    Earlier, the official confirmed that hospital received Mohammad Tahir, one of whose legs was chopped off in the blast.

    Zabihullah Mujahed, the purported Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the brutal killing adding it was a "punishment" for those working for government and international troops.