Minibus Blast Near Damascus Injures 14, Three Critical

A loud explosion ripped through a public transport minibus in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana on Thursday, leaving 14 people injured, three of them critically, according to Syrian health authorities.

The blast occurred near the al-Rawda junction, a busy area southeast of the capital. The force of the explosion shattered windows and sent thick smoke billowing through the street, prompting residents to rush to the scene to help the wounded.

Initial confusion led to reports of possible fatalities. However, Tawfiq Hisaba, director of the Rural Damascus Health Directorate, later clarified that body parts initially thought to be from victims were in fact severed limbs from the injured, who had been transferred to the forensic medicine department. He confirmed the final toll stood at 14 injured, with seven admitted to Damascus Hospital. Three of the injured are in critical condition and required surgery.

Witnesses described the chaos and fear in the immediate aftermath. "We were at home when we heard a huge sound that shook our house," said local resident Ahmad Mahdi. "We found out that there was an explosion targeting a mini bus. I saw fatalities and injuries when I went down to help evacuate people."

Another resident, Rami Gattas, recounted the confusion as people tried to make sense of the event. "It was a matter of a few seconds when the explosion occurred, smoke covered everything, glass broke and the people were left on the ground," he said. "Some people claimed it is a bomb while others said there was a suicide bomber inside. When we came to rescue people, we saw the people inside the bus only hurt."

Authorities have yet to announce the cause of the blast, and no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.