27 reported killed in Bangkok bombing

A bomb blast rocked a shrine at a major central Bangkok intersection during the evening rush hour Monday, the government said, reportedly killing more up to 27 people and injuring many others, according to Reuters, while Thai PBS television says 15 people were killed.

At least two bombs were found at the scene, says Major General Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for Thailand’s ruling junta. He says at least one had detonated.

Weerachon says dozens were injured, and that some foreigners were among the injured.

Thai rescue workers carry an injured person after a bomb exploded outside a religious shrine in central Bangkok late on August 17, 2015. (AFP Photo/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul)

The explosion took place at the Rajprasong intersection, which was the center of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years. It occurred in front of the Erawan Shrine, a tourist landmark also popular with Thais.

Emergency personnel work at the scene after an explosion in central Bangkok, Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Sackchai Lalit)

The first bomb was found inside the shrine compound, while the second was found opposite the complex, Weerachon says. Car bombs are almost unknown in Bangkok, but have been used in southern Thailand, where a Muslim separatist insurgency has been flaring for several years.

— AP contributed