Syria's Health Ministry corrects Damascus minibus blast toll: 14 wounded, no deaths

August 7, 2026 - 08:46

DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria's Health Ministry has revised the casualty count from a minibus explosion that occurred on Thursday in a suburb of the capital, stating that 14 people were wounded and no one was killed. The update came on Friday, correcting earlier reports that had suggested a higher number of victims.

According to the ministry, three of the wounded are in critical condition and are receiving urgent medical care. The blast took place in a residential area, causing panic among locals and prompting a swift response from emergency teams. Initial reports from state media had mentioned possible deaths, but the ministry's latest statement clarified that all those injured were accounted for and no fatalities had been recorded.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Some local sources speculated it might have been an accident involving fuel or gas, while others pointed to a possible security incident. Authorities have not yet released an official conclusion. The area was cordoned off for several hours as investigators combed through the wreckage of the minivan, which was heavily damaged in the blast.

Residents in the neighborhood expressed shock, with many saying they heard a loud boom that shook nearby buildings. Witnesses described seeing smoke rising from the site shortly after the explosion. Medical teams transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, where some remain under observation.

This incident adds to a series of sporadic explosions in Syria, a country still recovering from years of conflict. However, the ministry's quick correction of the toll suggests efforts to provide accurate information to the public. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.