Quetta, May 25: At least 24 people were killed and over 100 passengers were seriously injured in a massive suicide bomb blast at Quetta railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
The suicide attack targeted a passenger train heading towards Cantt near Chaman Phatak, officials said.
The intensity of the blast caused the train coaches to derail and a huge fire broke out at the spot. Initial reports said gunshots were also heard after the blast. Thick smoke covered the scene and rescue operations are in full swing.
Ambulances and security forces immediately rushed to the spot and the entire area has been declared a security zone. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, with many in critical condition, officials said.
A local press release issued in connection with the attack said, “The BLA militants carried out this act after suffering heavy losses from Pakistani security forces in Balochistan.” However, no one has officially claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
The security situation in the Quetta-Taftan Highway (N-40) area of Balochistan has become extremely tense in recent days.
Armed attacks, roadblocks and temporary control of highways have been reported in Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan and Washuk areas.
On May 15, a major bridge in Sheikh Wasil area near Nushki was blown up and destroyed.
Mineral transport vehicles, chromite trucks and Pakistani military vehicles were targeted in the attack on the same day.
On May 16, armed groups briefly took control of several parts of the city, including a police station, in the Dalbandin area, according to reports. Heavy gunfire, roadblocks and the setting of government vehicles on fire were also reported.
The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the operations and claimed to have established complete control over the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway.
The rising violence in Balochistan has become a major challenge for Pakistan’s security apparatus, and security in the region has been tightened further after the train blast.