At least 31 people have been killed in a massive car bomb explosion that’s hit the Syrian capital of Damascus.(Video)

30 people died in the blast, and over 50 were wounded. However, Syrian state TV says that 16 lost their lives in the blast, while 208 others were wounded.

Palestinian leader Nayef Hawatma was among the injured, AFP reported.

The car bombing occurred in a densely-populated area, at the intersection of major streets, and resulted in “multiple” casualties and injuries among civilians and school students, according to SANA news agency. The blast caused damage to the nearby Abdullah Bin al-Zabir school and al-Hayat Hospital.

Al-Ikhbariya TV station showed footage of what appeared to be at least four dead bodies on the ground and cars on fire.

“It was huge, everything in the shop turned upside down,” one local resident told AP on condition of anonymity.

Authorities seized a car loaded with cylinder-shaped bath water heaters filled with explosives. The person driving the car was arrested, SANA news agency reported.

Police indicated that the casualties included four children, according to AP. Security forces also noted that the blast happened at a security checkpoint between the Russian Embassy and the central headquarters of the ruling Baath Party of President Bashar Assad.

State media reported the “terrorist explosion” caused casualties, but didn’t specify numbers, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, an RT Arabic correspondent said there were three blasts in Damascus, contrary to the majority of current reports. Activists confirm that information, though provide no further details. A security source confirmed the second explosion, while the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed two blasts followed the first one.

Syrian Capital Damascus car bomb explosion video

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