The explosion took place in an arms dump at the home of a tribal leader in the Tirah Valley in Khyber tribal district close to the Afghan.

The area last year saw fierce fighting between the Pakistani military and Taliban militants.

"The initial information suggests that the blast triggered by explosives killed at least 10 people including three children and wounded nine others," a senior local administration official, Nasir Khan.

He said the explosion occurred in the reception area of the home of a local tribal elder.

"We are trying to ascertain the exact nature of the blast," Khan said.

Another local administration official confirmed the incident and casualties.

Last year saw a concerted military push in Tirah Valley, which is hemmed in by steep mountains and riddled with caves, and has been a stronghold for militants in Khyber.

Khyber straddles the NATO supply line into Afghanistan, used by US-led troops to evacuate military equipment as they withdraw by the end of this year.

RA/NJF