12 schoolgirls killed in stampede after Afghan quake:officials

At least 12 girls were killed after a stampede broke out in their school in the northern Afghan province of Takhar following a powerful earthquake today, officials said.

"The students rushed to escape the school building in Taluqan city (capital of Takhar), triggering a stampede," Takhar education department chief Enayat Naweed told AFP.

"Twelve students, all minors, were killed and 35 others were injured.