QUETTA: A powerful explosion near a railway track in Quetta has killed at least 14 people, including three Frontier Constabulary personnel, while more than 20 others were injured.
According to police officials, the blast occurred near the Chaman Phatak area as a train was passing by. The intensity of the explosion caused a fire to break out near the track and shattered windows of nearby buildings, with the sound heard across a wide area.
Railway authorities confirmed that the Jaffar Express, which was scheduled to depart for Peshawar, was halted at the station following the incident.
An emergency was declared in government hospitals, and medical staff were called in to treat the injured, many of whom were shifted to Civil Sandeman Hospital. Officials stated that women and children were also among the injured.
A spokesperson for the provincial government condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act targeting innocent civilians. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, collecting evidence from the scene.
Authorities have placed the city on high alert as rescue and security operations continue.
