Adeboje Lukman
A deadly explosion near a railway station in Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, has killed more than 20 people and left dozens injured just days before the Eid Kabir celebration. The blast occurred on Sunday morning near the Chaman Phatak railway area as a passenger train was approaching the station.
According to security officials, the explosion targeted a train carrying security personnel and their family members travelling for the Eid holidays. The powerful blast derailed parts of the train, overturned coaches, and damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. Thick smoke was seen rising from the scene as rescue workers rushed to evacuate victims.
Hospital authorities in Quetta declared an emergency after more than 70 injured victims were brought in, with several reported to be in critical condition. Rescue operations continued for hours as security forces sealed off the area.
The separatist militant group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a suicide bombing. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, strongly condemned the attack and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.
The attack happened in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province, a region that has witnessed repeated insurgent violence in recent years. Authorities have launched investigations into the incident while security has been tightened ahead of the Eid celebrations.