Fourteen people were injured, including three in critical condition, when an explosion struck a public transport mini bus in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana on Thursday, Syrian health authorities said.
The blast occurred inside the mini bus near the al-Rawda junction in Jaramana, southeast of the Syrian capital.
Initial reports suggested the explosion had caused fatalities. However, Tawfiq Hisaba, director of the Rural Damascus Health Directorate, later clarified that body parts transferred from al-Razi Hospital to the forensic medicine department at al-Mouwasat Hospital were severed limbs from injured patients, rather than remains of deceased victims as initially believed.
Hisaba told the state-run al-Ikhbariya TV that the final toll stood at 14 injured, including seven admitted to Damascus Hospital. Three of the injured were in critical condition and required surgical intervention.
Some local residents recalled the moment when the explosion happened in such a densely populated area.
"We were at home when we heard a huge sound that shook our house. We found out that there was an explosion targeting a mini bus. I saw fatalities and injuries when I went down to help evacuate people," said local resident Ahmad Mahdi at the scene.
"It was a matter of a few seconds when the explosion occurred, smoke covered everything, glass broke and the people were left on the ground. At first we could not know what was happening. Some people claimed it is a bomb while others said there was a suicide bomber inside. When we came to rescue people, we saw the people inside the bus only hurt. Such mini buses work all the time in the area," said Rami Gattas, another resident.
Authorities have yet to announce the cause of the blast.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion.
Minibus explosion near Damascus wounds 14, 3 critically: health authorities
The World Tour event of the Youth Leaders Community for Global Development (YLCGD) was held in Bangkok, Thailand recently, bringing young representatives from across the globe to engage in in-depth, vibrant exchanges on digital development.
Representatives from China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Indonesia and other countries exchanged views on topics including opportunities and risks in the digital era at a workshop on the "Digital South" initiative.
They also visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok) and toured Ayutthaya Technical College, home to the first Luban Workshop established overseas by China.
"We are learning with robots, and AI is getting more involved. It's becoming more and more integrated. We are learning skills that can help us understand the future better," said Phumiphak Phongsanong, a student from Ayutthaya Technical College participating in the event.
Gathering at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), participants discussed how the next generation can help narrow digital gaps through innovation, education and international cooperation.
They agree that as artificial intelligence expands, so do concerns over a widening digital divide.
While some countries race ahead, others still struggle with access to technology, connectivity and digital skills -- gaps that continue to hold back sustainable development.
"I think there is still a chance that the digital divide will widen because access is still very limited and also we still need to increase the knowledge of the youth and other stakeholders in using AI tools for the issues that we are facing right now," said Sheryl Rose Reyes, a remote sensing expert of the UNESCAP's Space Applications Section.
It's part of China's Global Development Initiative, or GDI, which promotes cooperation on sustainable development, including digital connectivity and capacity building.
"I think China can play a leading role because China is currently very advanced in terms of AI and other technologies. So I think China can, in addition to investing more in research and development and innovation, it can also share its knowledge to other developing countries," said Hu Chaoyi, Associate Economic Affairs Officer of the UNESCAP's ICT and Development Section.
For participants here, closing the digital divide isn't simply about expanding access to technology. It's about ensuring more people have the skills to use it. As artificial intelligence reshapes economies, initiatives like these are aiming to make digital development more inclusive and turning international cooperation into practical opportunities for the next generation.
Youth leaders gather in Bangkok to discuss Youth responsibilities in digital era
