Two German soldiers serving with the international force in Afghanistan and six local employees have been killed after a stock of munitions exploded accidentally, according to informed sources in Berlin.

They quoted Muhammad Omar, governor of the northern Kunduz province, as confirming the report.

German military authorities refused to confirm it, however.

Earlier on Saturday, the German army said two German soldiers had been injured in Afghanistan and two others had gone missing after an explosion rocked the truck they were loading with munitions and weapons.

The army was forced to break off the search for the two missing soldiers after night fell, the Bundeswehr said in a statement on Saturday. It planned to resume at daybreak on Sunday.

No exact cause was given for the explosion, which occurred in Rustak, about 120km northeast of Kunduz.

One of the soldiers suffered severe injuries and the other was only lightly wounded, according to the statement issued from the German division's headquarters at Schwielowsee outside of Berlin.

Some 2250 German soldiers serve in the International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] in Afghanistan. 

PHOTO CAPTION