DAMASCUS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- An explosion rocked the village of Jabrin, east of the central Syrian city of Hama, on Wednesday, killing at least four civilians and injuring nine others, according to Syria's health authorities.

Syrian Civil Defense teams continued rescue operations into the afternoon in search of survivors believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, local emergency officials said.

Initial reports from state broadcaster al-Ikhbariya suggested the explosion was triggered by the detonation of a fuel truck and placed the death toll at seven.

Later official statements dismissed the fuel truck explosion theory without providing further details.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility.

Described by residents as "powerful," the blast shattered windows, shook nearby buildings, and sent plumes of smoke into the air, leaving the area in a state of panic.

Photos from the scene showed charred debris, collapsed structures, and emergency crews working amid the rubble.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blast. ■