NAIROBI, May 3 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 27 people were killed and dozens wounded Tuesday in an explosion at a stadium in Mogadishu where the prime minister of Somalia's transitional government was addressing a large crowd, according to an official at the Somali Presidential Office.

    Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi escaped unhurt in the explosion and was immediately rushed away from the scene, the anonymous official told Xinhua by telephone.

    "At first, it's said that eight people died in the blast. Then the death toll rose to 15. Until now I'm told by officials near the prime minister that at least 27 people were killed and dozens wounded," he said.

    The blast, not very far from Gedi, happened at around noon time, causing panic and chaos as thousands of Somalis who were listening to the speech fled the stadium.

    The cause of the blast was not immediately clear and so far no group has claimed responsibility, said the official.

    Gedi flew into Mogadishu Friday from neighboring Kenya, making his first visit to the capital city since he took office. The delegation is to evaluate security situation in Mogadishu and discuss the relocation plan with local officials and warlords.

    Somalia has been without a central government since 1991, when clan-based warlords overthrew Mohamed Siad Barre and then involved in a civil conflict.

    The transitional government, currently based in Kenyan capital Nairobi, was formed in 2004 under the auspices of a regional bloc, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, and the European Union. It has not been able to return to Mogadishu because of security fears. Enditem