Sanaa, Yemen (CNN)A huge explosion killed at least 23 people and wounded 48 others during a Houthi gathering in the central Yemeni province of Ibb on Wednesday, Yemen's Interior Ministry said. The explosion took place in the local cultural center, where the Houthis were preparing for the celebration of the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, which will take place Saturday. The governor of Ibb was present at the location of the attack but fled unharmed. The injured were taken to Al Thawra and Al Manar hospitals. Police officials said the number killed had risen from an earlier tally of 16 after several of the critically injured died from their wounds.
@highlight
The death toll from the blast is now 23, with 48 wounded, Interior Ministry says
@highlight
The explosion targeted a Houthi gathering in Ibb province
@highlight
Ibb's governor survived the blast and fled, unharmed
@highlight
Houthis have taken control of Yemen's capital and won territory from al Qaeda fighters
Local security officials told CNN the attack had the hallmarks of @placeholder.