Damascus cafe explosion near Palace of Justice kills at least four, injures 10 to 11; cause under investigation
A blast tore through a cafe on Al-Nasr Street in the Hiyaz area of central Damascus on Thursday, killing at least four people and wounding between 10 and 11 others. Syrian authorities say the cause of the explosion, near the main courthouse, is not yet known and an investigation is underway.
The explosion
A cafe on Al-Nasr Street in the Hiyaz quarter of central Damascus was the site of a deadly explosion on Thursday. The street runs near the Palace of Justice, a major courthouse complex, and is close to both the Hiyaz train station and the Al-Marjah square, a busy commercial hub. The state-run SANA news agency and other state media reported that the blast occurred inside the cafe. Video circulating online showed several people on the floor, with police officers nearby.
Casualty figures
Dr. Ahmad al-Bakour, the director of ambulance and emergency services at the Syrian Health Ministry, told SANA that at least four people were killed and 10 others were injured. He said all the wounded had been taken to hospitals. The AFP news agency, citing a Syrian security source, said the number of injured was 11. Italian news agencies ANSA and Adnkronos both reported at least four dead and mentioned 10 to 11 wounded. Spanish outlets Europa Press and La Razón gave similar numbers.
Emergency response and on-the-ground activity
Ambulances with sirens on converged on the scene within minutes, and security forces quickly established a cordon around the blast site, isolating the area. Reports described scenes of panic among bystanders. A video posted on social media showed injured individuals lying on the cafe floor as police officers attended to them.
Investigation into the cause
Syrian state television channel Al-Ikhbariya said the nature of the explosion was not immediately clear. No cause has been officially announced. The Syrian authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the blast was the result of an attack or an accident. No group has claimed responsibility.
