QUETTA: The death toll in a suicide car bomb attack on a train carrying soldiers in Quetta, the capital of the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, increased to 24 while more than 50 others suffered injuries.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group, has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack.
Three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were martyred and several others injured in a blast which occurred near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, the Balochistan government spokesperson said.
Several women and children also sustained injuries in the explosion and were shifted to hospitals for medical treatment, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement.
Rind said terrorists targeted unarmed civilians in the attack, terming the assaults on public places a sign of desperation by militant elements.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, while authorities continue collecting evidence and investigating the incident, he said.
The government spokesperson said that evidence collection and investigations are underway. He added that targeting public places reflects the desperation of terrorist elements.
Earlier,
A loud explosion near a railway track shook Quetta on Sunday, causing panic among residents and damaging nearby buildings. Police officials confirmed that the blast shattered windows and glass panels in surrounding areas due to its powerful impact.
Security forces, police teams, and rescue officials quickly reached the site after the explosion. Authorities sealed the area and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Blast Near Quetta Railway Track Injures Four, Damages Train and Vehicles
At least four people were injured after a powerful explosion occurred near a railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, according to police officials. The blast partially damaged a train and affected at least 10 vehicles parked nearby. Several buildings in the surrounding area also suffered damage as windows and glass panels shattered due to the strong impact.
Following the incident, authorities declared an emergency in government hospitals across Quetta and called in additional doctors and medical staff. Railway officials confirmed that the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was stopped at Quetta Railway Station as a precautionary measure after the explosion. Home minister spokesperson Babar Yousafzai said all relevant institutions have been placed on high alert and urged the public to avoid gathering near the blast site to help rescue teams operate safely.
