At least 24 killed in blast near train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province
Explosion near railway track in Quetta derails and sets train coaches on fire, with reports suggesting the target was a military personnel train; investigation underway
At least 24 people were killed and dozens more injured after a powerful bomb explosion near a railway track in Pakistan’s restive southwestern province of Balochistan, in what reports suggest was a targeted attack on a train carrying military personnel.
According to multiple reports, the blast took place in Quetta when an explosive-laden vehicle or device detonated near a moving train as it passed through or near the Chaman Pattak area. Some accounts say the explosion occurred on the railway track, while others indicate it went off close to it, around 1 km from the train’s destination station.
The train was reportedly carrying army personnel and their family members who were travelling to Peshawar to celebrate the upcoming Eid holidays, according to AFP. Several military personnel are believed to be among the victims.
The force of the explosion caused at least two coaches of the train to derail, overturn and catch fire. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the wreckage as rescue operations began.
Images from the site showed mangled carriages lying on their side, with people climbing over debris in search of survivors and injured passengers being carried away on stretchers. Some vehicles parked nearby were also damaged, according to AP, citing witnesses.
A report by an Al Jazeera correspondent said the explosive device went off just a short distance from the train’s destination station, adding further uncertainty over the exact blast location.
Balochistan government spokesperson Babar Yousafzai said authorities were still investigating the incident and had not yet provided further details, according to reports.
Emergency teams and security forces rushed to the site, where heavy damage was reported and rescue operations continued amid fears the death toll could rise.
Following the incident, an emergency was declared in government hospitals across Quetta, with doctors and medical staff summoned to handle the situation.
Railway authorities said the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was stopped at Quetta Railway Station after the blast as a precautionary measure, Geo News reported.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi condemned the attack as a cowardly act of terrorism, adding that it would not weaken the nation’s resolve against militancy.