UPDATE 2- Explosion hits southeastern Turkey

48 wounded as a bomb-laden vehicle targets police station near AK Party HQ in Van province

*UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF CASUALTIES

By Mesut Varol, Necat Hazar and Cemal Asan

VAN, Turkey (AA) - At least 48 people have been wounded in a bomb attack that hit southeastern Turkey's Van province Monday, near the governor's office and the headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.

A bomb-laden vehicle exploded at 10.50 a.m. local time (0750GMT) near the police station in front of the AK Party building, injuring 48 people, including two police officers, Van Governor's Office has confirmed.

Two of the injured were in critical condition, Van police chief Suat Ekici said earlier.

The blast heavily damaged the AK Party building and a nearby hotel. Windows of nearby houses and storefronts were also shattered in the blast.

Firefighters extinguished the fire caused by the explosion. Police are also currently at the scene.

Kaynak: