A bomb has exploded near the Erawan shrine in Bangkok's central Chidlom district, leaving many dead and possibly over a hundred injured.

According to the Bangkok Post, the explosion killed at least 18 people and injured 117 people. Officials say that the explosion was caused by a "motorcycle bomb" and found "charred pieces of motorcycles parts and bloodied bodies on the floor near the site." They also reported that the bomb was on a utility pole where it exploded just after 7 pm.

The explosion was caught on camera. You can check it out below:

According to CNN, there were foreigners among the injured in the explosion. Police in Bangkok also stated that there was another bomb in the area and told citizens to stay away from the vicinity. The bomb squad were investigating two suspicious objects that were on the scene and then detonated two other bombs locared near by.

The Erawan shrine is the most popular shrine in Thailand where thousands of people pray to the shrine everyday. They generally pray for good health and everlasting peace.

The shrine is home to a golden statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. The shrine is so revered that in 2006, a mentally ill man was beaten to death after vandalizing the statue.

Officials said that the explosion happened at a busy intersection where a lot of tourists hang out.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan sent out his condolences to the families of the victims and said it was too early to tell if the attack was politically motivated or terrorist.

"But it was clear that the perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism, because it occurred in the heart of Bangkok's business district," he said, condemning the act.

People on Twitter posted photos of the aftermath of the attack.

The U.S. charges d'affaires in Bangkok, W. Patrick Murphy also expressed his condolences via Twitter but also warned U.S. citizens in the area to stay clear of the bomb site.

The number of casualties continues to vary, with the BBC reporting 16 dead and 80 wounded. Among those who are confirmed deceased are a Chinese national and a Filipino national.