Colombian authorities confirmed that an explosion in central Bogota had left nine people hurt on Wednesday.

The explosion, which took place on the fourth floor of a building next door to the country's tax office, was claimed by the Popular Revolutionary Movement (MPR).

The MPR has taken credit for the explosion in a statement, saying it was carried out against the tax reform which they say would hurt Colombians while lawmakers have high salaries and retirements.

General Hoover Penilla, commander of Bogota's metropolitan police, said that those injured were not in danger and were being treated for cuts and acoustic trauma.

"There are no more injured people and the only damage to the building is at the window where they hung the banner," he told the press.

According to the official, two people burst into the apartment, subdued the person living there and activated the explosive charge.

The central area of the city has been cordoned off and a number of buildings were evacuated as an investigation began into those responsible.

source: Xinhua