Six policemen and one other person were killed as a result of an explosion which occurred as a military convoy passed by in the central Atatürk neighborhood in the city of Dersim at around 6 p.m. today. The civilian killed in the explosion was reported to be a woman passing by the scene with her husband who was also injured in the incident.

The sound of the explosion could be heard from around the city, said witness who added the blast was quite big.

Ambulances were sent to the scene and rushed several people to Dersim State Hospital as firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze. A large number of special operation teams and soldiers were sent to the scene where the miliitary has launched an operation supported by cobra helicopters.

The Governor of Dersim confirmed deaths and the injury but didn't disclose any details as to the identities of casualties.