Austria disco blast injures 27

Police said a hand grenade likely caused the blast

An explosion at a nightclub in the western Austrian city of Linz has left 27 people injured, at least two of them seriously.

Officials said they had found the remnants of what appeared to be a hand grenade near the DJ's booth at the X-Large Disco.

Reports say most of the wounded were between 15 and 19-years-old.

A doctor who treated many victims said metal pellets were embedded in their skin, and in some cases had penetrated their internal organs, Austrian radio reported.

He said some of the victims would have to undergo surgery but none appeared to have suffered life-threatening wounds.

Correspondents say many of the injured have now been released from hospital, but at least two people were seriously injured.

'Terrible explosion'

The explosion happened at about 0320 local time (0120 GMT). Police said 40 people were inside the club, which is frequented by immigrants from the former Yugoslavia.

Citing witness reports, a Linz police spokesman said: "There was a flash in the DJ area on the dance floor, followed by a terrible explosion."

Michael Tischlinger said the force of the blast had sent spotlights crashing to the floor.

"It was likely a hand grenade," he added.

The Interior Ministry is sending a team of experts to examine the remains of the explosive.