Pakistan: Massive blast shocks Quetta railway station; 20 killed, 30 injured

Initial investigation suggests that this is a case of suicide bombing

Quetta: In a tragic incident, A blast took place at Quetta railway station in Pakistan on Saturday morning in which now 24 people have been killed and over 40 are reported injured. The death toll is likely to increase in this blast.  According to the police, the blast occurred place in the booking office of the railway station just before the train reached the platform. Jaffar Express was scheduled to leave for Peshawar at 9 am. Initial investigation suggests that this is a case of suicide bombing. The investigation is ongoing.

The blast occurred at the booking office of the railway station just before the train reached the platform, according to Pakistan news channel Geo News. A large number of casualties are expected due to the usual crowd at the station.

Police and rescue workers have reached the site of the blast. Emergency has been imposed at Quetta’s Civil Hospital and additional doctors and support staff have been called in.

According to railway officials, the Jaffar Express was scheduled to leave for Peshawar at 9 am. Officials said the train had not yet reached the platform when the blast occurred. Officials told Geo News that the death toll in the blast could rise as the condition of many injured is critical.

Meanwhile, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack on the Pakistan Army’s unit while they were traveling in in Jaffer Express Train. The release by BLA read, “This morning, a Fidayee attack was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta Railway Station as they were returning via Jaffer Express after completing a course at the Infantry School. The attack was executed by the BLA’S Fidayee unit, Majeed Brigade. Details will soon be released to the media.”