When it comes to political assassinations, 2014 is starting off with a bang, literally. Moments ago news broke that following an explosion in Prague, the Palestinian ambassador to the Czech Republic has just been killed.

Firefighters search an area after an explosion in Prague January 1, 2014. The Palestinian ambassador to Czech Republic Jamal al-Jamal has died after an explosion at his residence in Prague on Wednesday, according to Czech police.

From AP:

Ambassador Jamel al-Jamal was in his apartment with his family at the time of the explosion on Wednesday, according to Palestinian Embassy spokesman Nabil El-Fahel. Al-Jamal was seriously injured and rushed to a hospital, where he died, according to police spokeswoman Andrea Zoulova.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the blast occurred when the 56-year-old diplomat was moving an old office safe box. It was not immediately clear how the explosives got there, and the ministry said the blast was being investigated.

Prague rescue service spokeswoman Jirina Ernestova said al-Jamal was placed in a medically induced coma when he arrived at Prague Military Hospital.

She said a 52-year old woman was taken to a different hospital in Prague after suffering from shock.

The ambassador's apartment is in Prague's Suchdol neighborhood.

Once we see any news on who the alleged perpertrators are, we will update this post.