Srinagar, India (CNN) At least 37 people were killed Thursday afternoon when a bomb exploded near a convoy of Indian paramilitary personnel in Indian-administered Kashmir, one of the deadliest attacks in the disputed region in recent years.

Bharat Bhushan, spokesperson for India's Ministry of Home Affairs, told CNN Friday that 37 soldiers had died, with five wounded.

Earlier reporting from CNN affiliate News 18 had the death toll at 40 but has since revised down to 37.

The convoy, which was transporting members of the Central Reserve Police Force, was on the national highway when it was struck by a blast from an improvised explosive device, said Muneer Khan, the state's director general of police.

"One vehicle which was part of the convoy carrying the CRPF personnel bore the brunt of the blast resulting in multiple casualties," a police statement said.

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