Photo:AFP

At least 78 people were killed and dozens of others injured in a car bomb attack in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu on Saturday, according to reports. 

Local officials confirmed that the dead included many students and two Turkish nationals. 

The initial report said the explosion happened during rush hour at a busy checkpoint in the city.

Many people, including students in buses, were passing through the area when the blast occurred, according to AFP.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo sent his condolences to those affected and wished the injured a quick recovery. He said terrorists targeted innocent children, mothers and their fathers who were going about their activities. 

"Today is a sad day that shows how terrorism has targeted our people. I share our grief with the families... I hope Allah will heal us from the wounds," he said in a statement issued after the attack. 

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Local officials said the death toll is likely to rise and rescue operations are underway. underway. .