An as yet unspecified number of people were killed in a blast that hit Minsk's Oktyabrskaya metro station on Monday, an emergencies ministry official said.

He also said at least ten people were wounded in the explosion, which occurred at 5:55 pm (14:55 GMT).

Smoke is pouring out from the station, which has been cordoned off by police. An eyewitness said the blast may have damaged the station structure.

Oktybarskaya station is located near the residence of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

MINSK, April 11 (RIA Novosti)