Move FM Global News

CAIRO, Egypt – A powerful explosion went off in central Cairo on Monday, leaving 13 people injured.

According to the Egyptian Health Ministry, a car had exploded after colliding with a microbus.

The loud explosion was heard through the area and witnesses described seeing a completely destroyed car, with bits of twisted and punctured metal scattered nearby, lying on the side of the road.

Local reports noted the explosion caused damage to a nearby building and even smashed windows. 

Further, reports added that smoke from the blast could be seen rising from the other side of the Nile river.

In a statement released later, the Egyptian Health Ministry said that the injured were taken from to three different hospitals, and were being treated for wounds and burns.

Further, a health ministry official told local reporters that several other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

According to Egypt’s State-run media, the scene of the blast was investigated by explosives experts.

The report said that the investigators concluded that the blast was caused by an electrical fault which spread fire to the car’s fuel tank.

Later, a security source confirmed to reporters that the car’s electrics short-circuited, causing a fire, then an explosion.