TRIPOLI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A powerful explosion shook the Skeerat area near the industrial zone of Misrata, about 200 km east of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on Sunday, Libya's Al-Masar TV reported, with no official word yet on the cause.

Mohamed Al-Nihoum, spokesperson for Misrata Medical Center, told Libya Al-Ahrar TV that six people with minor to moderate injuries have been sent to hospital for treatment.

The blast sent burning shells and shrapnel raining down on nearby residential neighborhoods, prompting authorities to evacuate surrounding areas. Ambulances and civil defense teams rushed to the scene, while security forces sealed off roads leading to the site.

Libya's National Safety Authority and Misrata Medical Center declared a state of emergency. ■