A business centre in Kosovo’s capital Pristina was ravaged by a strong blast early Monday, at least two people being killed and twelve injured, police officials said.

The police said one of the injured has been hospitalized in critical condition. A part of the two-storey complex on Bill Clinton boulevard has been destroyed when the explosive device went off at 2:15 (0015 GMT), as investigators are trying to determine the blast’s  “cause and possible motives.”

The complex which hosts dozens of cafes and shops was seriously damaged, footage showing a destroyed facade, chairs and other items scattered across the street. This indicates that the explosion was certainly caused by “something stronger than a hand grenade,” as the police said.

When the fierce blast occurred several people were still inside the building, two being crushed by a wall that couldn’t withstand the blow.

Nearby buildings and cars were also damaged by the powerful explosion, windows and windshields being shattered, debris spreading across the street as far as 30 metres.

Media speculated that the explosion targeted the businesses owned by a figure from the underworld organizations who is currently tried for allegedly murdering a law enforcement officer in the breakaway province.

The blast comes in a time when ethnic Albanians are eager to proclaim independence, despite opposition from Serbia. Envoys from Russia, the European Union and United States are trying to mediate a compromise solution, but Belgrade officials continue to reject any plan that would approve Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Kosovo is under United Nations administration since 1999, when NATO forces ousted Serbian soldiers from the territory. But turmoil continues to ravage the region, crime and corruption hampering the authorities and UN’s efforts to establish a self-contained government.