At least four people were killed and several others injured in an explosion in a café in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday. A powerful blast rocked residents who had been waiting for work hours before a news conference in the area of central Damascus, according to initial reports.
The explosion occurred inside or near a café near Damascus’ Palace of Justice. Witnesses heard the loud blast shake nearby buildings and people rush out onto the streets. Ambulances and emergency services were quickly sent to the scene and emergency workers rushed to assist victims.
Syrian state media initially said an explosion had happened in the capital, but did not provide details on casualties or the reason for the attack. Some four people were killed and many others were injured in varying degrees of severity.
Medical teams took the injured to nearby hospitals where at least two were in critical condition. Local officials have not yet released the names of those killed and the exact number of casualties is pending the outcome of rescue and assessment efforts.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the area surrounding the café and launched an investigation to determine the origin of the explosion. Syrian state news agency officials said specialists were trying to determine what caused the blast and whether it was caused by an accident, an explosive device, or another factor.
The incident comes at a time when Syria is still under a state of high security, with extremist groups, unexploded ordnance, and isolated attacks despite a decrease in large-scale conflict in many areas. Damascus has seen a number of security-related incidents in recent years, including bombings and attacks on civilians, religious sites, and government facilities.
Residents of the area described scenes of chaos immediately after the explosion. Witnesses reported shattered glass, damaged property, and people running for safety as thick smoke rose above the neighborhood. Emergency crews worked for hours to clear debris and ensure there were no other threats at the site.
Officials have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast and officials have not yet confirmed whether the blast was an accident or a deliberate action.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the fragility of security in parts of Syria where sporadic incidents pose a threat to civilians. The families of the victims and the injured are still in suspense about what caused the explosion and what could be the reasons for one of the deadliest incidents reported in Damascus in recent months.
