Government authorities said 10 people were confirmed wounded after a bomb exploded near the subway station in Santiago, Chile on Monday.

According to reports, the blast took place during lunchtime at a fast food restaurant inside a shopping mall that is connected to the Escuela Militar metro station in Santiago's affluent Las Conde area.

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Local health officials said none of the injuries were fatal. Fragments of the bomb, which made from a fire extinguisher loaded with gunpowder that detonated in a garbage bin, caused the injuries, said Fire department Commander Ivo Zuvic Garcia.

Among those hurt in the explosion were a 30-year-old Venezuelan man who suffered leg trauma and a woman who lost a finger, Dr. Fernando Zapata of the government's emergency medical service said.

Government officials called the blast a terrorist attack.

"This is a cowardly act because it carried out with the intention of hurting and killing innocent people," Alvaro Elizalde, the Government's chief spokesman, said.

"It was an abhorrent act, and we will apply the full weight of the law, including anti-terrorist laws. Those responsible for these acts have to pay" President Michelle Bachelet told the media.

However, the President made it clear that Chile remains a safe country.

No one has claimed responsibility yet for Monday’s attack, but according to Interior Minister Mahmud Aleuy, security cameras showed two suspects escaped in a car after they planted the explosive device in a trash bin outside the fast food restaurant.

"The government won't rest until these people are apprehended," Interior Minister Rodrigo Peñailillo told reporters.

Around 28 explosive devices have been planted close to banks and police stations in the country's capital this year. Based on sources, anti-government protesters and anarchist groups have placed explosive devices at ATMs and in other locations.

The subway was operating normally on Monday evening and the Escuela Militar station partly re-opened about an hour after the explosion, authorities confirmed.

TagsChile, blast, subway, injuries, bomb explosion