Bomb explodes in front of bank in Providencia

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SANTIAGO. -  A disturbance of the peace was experienced today in the municipality of Providencia after an explosive device was detonated at the entrance to a BCI bank on the corner of 11 de Septiembre and Antonio Varas.

The explosion gave quite a scare to people in the area, although it is still not clear who is responsible for the attack.

According to a report from Radio Bio Bio, the explosion shattered three window panes in the front of the bank branch office, as well as the inside of the building, which was surveyed by Special Police Operations (GOPE) personnel.

The blast also stopped traffic in the area, as police and firefighters rushed to the scene.

According to witnesses, a dark-colored vehicle hastily fled the area just moments before the explosion.  The report however, has not bee confirmed, pending an official police statement.

What has been confirmed is that a few blocks east, on the corner of Avenida Seminario and Providencia, law enforcement officials stopped a vehicle and performed a background check on the three passengers.