The site of a deadly bombing in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region of Bajaur.

Police said an explosion tore through a market on Thursday, killing seven people and wounding at least 10 others.

Witnesses said one person was killed instantly, and the others died en route to the hospital.

Six shops were destroyed by the blast.

(SOUNDBITE)(Pashto) GUL MOHAMMAD, WOUNDED SHOPKEEPER, SAYING:

"I don't know what happened. I was sitting in my shop, in my general store, when there was a loud explosion. I have no idea what happened."

Hospital sources said the death toll could rise, as some of the wounded were in critical condition.

Several militant groups are active in Pakistan's northwestern semi-autonomous tribal region near the border with Afghanistan.

One of these is the Pakistan Taliban - an organisation responsible for many bombings in recent years.

Travis Brecher, Reuters