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Bus explodes in Manila financial district

By the CNN Wire Staff
A Philippine police investigator looks for evidence next to a bus where a bomb exploded inside along the main avenue in the financial district of Manila on Tuesday.
A Philippine police investigator looks for evidence next to a bus where a bomb exploded inside along the main avenue in the financial district of Manila on Tuesday.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • A police chief says the bomb might have been planted under a seat
  • Investigators are trying to determine the type of bomb
  • The explosion blows a hole through the side of the bus
  • Makati City is Manila's financial district
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Manila, Philippines (CNN) -- A powerful bomb exploded on a passenger bus Tuesday afternoon in Manila's financial district, killing four people and injuring 15 others, police said.

"It's a huge explosion; it's so huge that it created a hole at the side of bus where it is presumed that the bomb was placed," said Makati Police Chief Froilan Bonifacio.

Bonifacio said the explosion occurred around 2 p.m.

The bus, owned by Newman Bus Lines, was approaching a Metro Rail Transit station on Buendia Avenue in Makati City, Manila's financial district, when it blew up.

The area has been placed on high alert, according to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr., who arrived on the scene a short time after the blast. He said most of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

"We are still trying to determine what kind of bomb was used," Bonifacio said.

An initial investigation showed the explosive device could have been placed under a seat on the bus, he said.

Journalists Arlene Espirtu and Winona Cueva contributed to this report.