‘At least 24’ people killed by suicide bomber targeting train in Pakistan
At least 24 people have been killed after a suicide bomber targeted a train carrying military personnel in Southwestern Pakistan, officials have confirmed.
The train was travelling through the city of Quetta in the province of Balochistan when a vehicle packed with explosives was detonated near the railway track.
The force of the explosion overturned two of the passenger train’s cars, which then caught fire, according to online footage.
More than 70 people have been injured in the explosion, officials said.
Several buildings were damaged, as well as more than a dozen vehicles parked along the road nearby.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: “I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured.
“Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan.
“We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
“The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief.”
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Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan provincial government, said they “strongly condemn the targeting of innocent civilians and are deeply saddened by the loss of precious human lives.
“Terrorist elements deserve no leniency.”
Quetta is the capital of the insurgency-hit Balochistan province.
The Baloch Liberation Army, which is outlawed, demands independence from Pakistan’s central government and has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The group said it targeted a train carrying security personnel, Associated Press confirmed.
The area is often targeted by insurgent groups, who target security forces, government installations, and civilians.
The BLA has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the country.
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