QUETTA – At least 24 people, including a woman, was killed and over 40 injured in a powerful explosion at booking office of the city’s railways station on Saturday morning.
The blast took place at a time when Jaffar Express was about to reach the platform. Causalities are feared to increase as there is usually a crowd at the station.
An official told media the train, which was set to leave for Peshawar at 9 am, was yet to reach the platform when the explosion occurred.
Civil Hospital administration said they had received 24 bodies, adding that some of the injured persons are in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has confirmed that it was suicide blast, adding that a banned outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.
He told media that the suicide bomber entered the station with luggage from an open area instead of the walkthrough gate.
He further confirmed that law enforcement agencies’s (LEAs) personnel were also among those martyred in suicide blast.
Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani has condemned the attack on innocent people. He vowed to eradicate the menace of terrorism in the country.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has ordered the authorities to provide best medical care to the injured. He also directed the officials investigate the matter.
This is a developing story…
