QUETTA: A powerful explosion at the railway station in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, killed 21 people and injured more than 20 others on Saturday morning. Police and rescue teams immediately reached the scene and started rescue operations.
According to media reports, the explosion took place on the platform of the railway station before the departure of the Jaffer Express. At the time of the explosion, passengers were at the railway station to travel to Peshawar by the Jaffer Express. Officials stated that the explosion occurred near the ticket house and that the train had not yet reached the platform.
As per SSP Operations, the explosion was apparently a suicide attack, and more than 100 people were present on the platform at the time, police surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz confirmed that 17 people were killed, while the injured were being shifted to the hospital.
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Immediately after the explosion, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement that the nature of the explosion and the extent of damage are being determined, and that police and security forces have reached the site. A bomb disposal squad is also present for further investigation and to collect evidence.
According to Dr. Noorullah of Civil Hospital Quetta, an emergency has been declared in the hospital, and immediate medical assistance is being provided to the injured. Additional doctors and staff have also been called in.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Balochistan has contacted top administrative authorities and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He stated that operations are underway to apprehend those involved in various terrorist incidents in the province, and strict action will be taken against the terrorists.
