Pakistan: 24 killed, 82 injured in explosion targeting Jaffar Express shuttle in Balochistan | Visuals
Pakistan train blast: At least 24 people were killed in a blast targeting a shuttle of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. Apart from the train, several vehicles parked in the area also sustained damage. Women and children were among the dead and injured.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsPakistan train blast: In a blast targeting a shuttle of the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Sunday, at least 24 people were reportedly killed, and 82 others were injured. Multiple bogies derailed and two caught fire following the blast, which also damaged nearby vehicles.
The shuttle, carrying law enforcement personnel heading home for Eid holidays, had departed from Quetta Cantonment when the explosion occurred around 8:05 am (local time), sources told Xinhua news agency on the condition of anonymity, IANS reported.
Women and children were among the dead and injured, the sources also said.
The sources also stated that, according to the preliminary investigations, the attack was carried out using a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device packed with more than 70 kg of explosives.
Fifty-seven of the injured were shifted to a military hospital and 25 to the Civil Hospital in Quetta.
Check visuals here:
The visuals emerging from the scene show fire and thick smoke at the site.
Police officials indicated that the explosion caused damage to nearby buildings, shattering windows and glass panes due to the force of the blast.
Section 144 imposed in Balochistan
Earlier this week, Section 144 was imposed in Pakistan's Balochistan province, which the authorities have said is a precautionary measure against potential terrorist threats, local media reported.
The notification issued by the Home Department stated that the restrictions will remain in force for 30 days, including a ban on the display of weapons, double riding on motorcycles and gatherings of five or more individuals, Pakistan's daily, The Express Tribune, reported.
Pakistan train derails
According to an IANS report, dated March 25, around 26 passengers were injured after seven coaches of Karachi-bound Tezgam derailed near Adam Wahan Railway Station on Bahawalpur-Lodhran section in Pakistan's Punjab province.
Five bogies of the train, heading from Lahore to Karachi, overturned.
Following the incident, Lodhran Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hafiz, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Liaquat Gilani, the DPO and Rescue 1122 officials rushed to the site to conduct a rescue operation, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn had reported.
(with IANS inputs)