Bomb hidden in book blows up in Mexican senator's face

A bomb hidden inside a book blew up in the face of a Mexican senator, causing minor injuries.

Citlalli Hernandez, who represents Mexico City, unwrapped a package and opened what she thought was a book on Wednesday, causing the device to explode.

Flames from the explosion reached the 29-year-old’s face, causing superficial burns, according to Mexico News Daily.

Ms Hernandez was taken to hospital for treatment for the burns and smoke inhalation.

Mexico’s president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said the device received by Citlalli Hernandez was a “homemade bomb” designed “to cause damage”.

The president said the attorney general’s office was investigating the bomb.

Ms Hernandez previously served in the lower Chamber of Deputies.

She is a leftist and social activist from Lopez Obrador’s Morena party.

Late on Wednesday she tweeted to say she was well.

“Necessary security measures have been taken and we will let competent authorities address the case,” she said.

Morena’s Senate leader Ricardo Monreal said that packages entering the building would be reviewed more closely.