A heavy truck loaded explosives exploded Friday near a military hospital in southern Russian republic of North Ossetia, killing at least 35, Interfax reported, citing a hospital spokesman.

"About 6:58 pm Moscow time, a KamAZ (heavy truck) loaded with explosives rammed through the gate of the hospital and exploded near the hospital's management building. At least 35 people were killed, according to preliminary information," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said 10 dead bodies have been retrieved from rubble of the hospital, which was almost completely destroyed.

Itar-Tass said 10 people were killed as a car parked near the hospital building exploded.

Viktor Beltsov, a spokesman for the Emergency Situations Ministry, said at least 25 people were injured in the blast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was immediately informed about the explosion, offered condolences to families of the victims. He urged North Ossetia President to urgently tell Moscow what is needed to help blast victims, the Kremlin said.

He also ordered law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate act of the terrorist attack.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov will leave for Mozdok soon.

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2003)