Pakistan explosion kills at least 12

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- At least 12 people were killed and 17 injured Monday in an explosion in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, authorities told CNN.

Police confirmed 12 deaths, but Pakistani media outlets were reporting up to 14 killed and 18 injured.

The blast took place in the Pirwadhai area of Rawalpindi about 9:15 p.m. (12:15 p.m. ET) across from a bus terminal, police said.

The explosion, which destroyed and damaged vehicles in the surrounding area, is believed to be the work of a suicide bomber, according to authorities.

The Associated Press of Pakistan cited a city police officer as saying the blast took place in a vehicle parked near a restaurant.

Television networks were broadcasting images of cars mangled from the explosion. Police told CNN that up to five vehicles were destroyed.

Rawalpindi is home to the general headquarters of the Pakistani army. It is the sister city of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.

CNN's Zein Basravi contributed to this report.

All About Rawalpindi • Pakistan