Suicide bombing targeting shuttle carrying law enforcement personnel leaves scores injured near Quetta….reports Asian Lite News
At least 24 people were killed and 82 others injured after a powerful blast targeted a shuttle of the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Sunday, according to police and local authorities.
The explosion occurred near Quetta shortly after the shuttle departed from Quetta Cantonment at around 8:05 a.m. local time. Officials said the train was carrying law enforcement personnel travelling home for the Eid holidays.
Police sources said multiple bogies derailed following the blast, while two carriages caught fire. Nearby vehicles and buildings were also damaged by the force of the explosion.
Authorities confirmed that women and children were among those killed and injured in the attack.
According to officials, 57 injured victims were taken to a military hospital, while another 25 were shifted to the Civil Hospital in Quetta for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggested the attack was carried out using a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device containing more than 70 kilograms of explosives.
Law enforcement agencies quickly cordoned off the area as rescue and emergency operations began at the scene.
Police said the blast shattered windows and damaged nearby buildings because of its intensity, while rescue workers and security personnel continued efforts to clear debris and assist victims.
Babar Yousafzai told local media that authorities were gathering information about the incident and more details would be released as the investigation progressed.
According to local broadcaster ARY News, Yousafzai said all relevant agencies had been placed on high alert following the explosion and urged residents to avoid the affected area while emergency operations continued.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Balochistan, where authorities earlier this week imposed Section 144 restrictions across the province as a precaution against possible terrorist threats.
According to Pakistan’s The Express Tribune, the restrictions will remain in place for 30 days and include bans on displaying weapons, double riding on motorcycles and gatherings of five or more people.
Balochistan has long witnessed militant violence, separatist insurgency and attacks targeting security forces, transport infrastructure and civilians.
The province, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, has experienced repeated security operations by Pakistani authorities against armed militant groups operating in the region.
No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack.
Security forces and investigators remained at the site as authorities continued examining the cause of the blast and searching for possible suspects linked to the bombing.
