By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 others injured on Sunday after a blast targeted a train carrying military personnel in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, according to reports.
The explosion occurred near Chaman Phatak railway station in Quetta, the provincial capital.
Several military personnel were reportedly among those killed and injured in the attack.
Police said the blast partially damaged the train and destroyed at least 10 vehicles parked nearby. The impact of the explosion also shattered windows and glass panels of surrounding buildings.
Security and rescue teams rushed to the site soon after the incident and cordoned off the area as emergency operations continued.
Authorities subsequently declared an emergency at government hospitals in Quetta, with additional doctors and medical staff deployed to assist in treatment and rescue efforts.
Railway officials said the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was halted at Quetta Railway Station following the explosion as a precautionary measure.
Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson for the provincial home minister, said all relevant agencies had been placed on high alert after the attack.
He also appealed to residents to avoid gathering near the blast site to allow emergency responders to carry out rescue operations without obstruction.
Meanwhile, the banned Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a “fidayeen” or suicide attack targeting Pakistani military personnel.
Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the outfit, said the group had carried out a “highly organised” attack targeting a train transporting military personnel from Quetta Cantonment.