At least five people have been injured in an explosion at a bus stop in Santiago, the capital of Chile. An eco-terrorist group has claimed responsibility.

The explosion took place shortly before noon local time on Friday, at the intersection of Avenida Vicuña Mackenna and Av. Francisco Bilbao, in downtown Santiago. One of the people touched a bag that was left at the bus stop, triggering the blast, according to police.

Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick is visiting the injured at the hospital. Santiago mayor Evelyn Matthei told the local media that the circumstances point to “intention to cause harm.”





At least 5 injured after suspected bomb explodes at #Santiago bus stop #Chilepic.twitter.com/130kXdx9uU — Ruptly (@Ruptly) January 4, 2019

🔴 Hasta las dependencias de la ex Posta Central llegará esta tarde el ministro del Interior Andrés Chadwick pic.twitter.com/837xaif4nY — La Tercera (@latercera) January 4, 2019

Al menos 5 heridos, 2 de ellos venezolanos por explosión en parada de autobús en Chile #4Enehttps://t.co/y1GcXbXkHmpic.twitter.com/TtRkyKx2XS — NTN24 (@NTN24) January 4, 2019

Three men and two women were injured in the explosion, according to General Enrique Monrás of the Carabineros, the Chilean police. One of the women is more seriously injured, but no one’s condition is life-threatening to the best of his knowledge, Monras said.

Among the injured is a couple from Venezuela, local media report.

Individualists Tending to the Wild (Individualistas Tendiendo a lo Salvaje - ITS), an eco-terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack on a website, according to the newspaper La Tercera.

Prosecutor Claudia Cañas, who is leading the investigation, could not confirm the group’s claim, but said “all the leads are being investigated.”

Estoy en Vicuña Mackenna con Bilbao tras la explosión de una bomba en una parada de autobús que ha dejado a personas heridas. El GOPE de @Carabdechile ya hace rastrillaje de la zona. Vamos a dar con los responsables. No se le van a llevar gratis. No en #Providenciapic.twitter.com/r3bYhBx3cY — Alexis Ceballos (@aceballospdc) January 4, 2019

The intersection remains closed to foot and vehicle traffic while the police are collecting evidence.

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