By Desmond Nleya
QUETTA-At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured after a powerful explosion targeted a train carrying military personnel in southwestern Pakistan on Sunday.
The blast occurred near Chaman Phatak in Quetta as the shuttle train travelled from Quetta Cantonment. Officials said the explosion struck close to the railway track, causing two train carriages to overturn and burst into flames.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as thick black smoke rose above the wreckage. Videos shared online showed badly damaged compartments and rescue workers evacuating wounded passengers.
Authorities confirmed that several army servicemen were among the dead. Doctors at local hospitals reported that many of the injured were in critical condition.
The force of the blast also damaged nearby buildings and smashed parked vehicles in the surrounding area, witnesses said.
Pakistan’s railways minister condemned the attack, describing it as an act of “cowardly terrorism,” while officials insisted such attacks would not weaken the country’s resolve against militancy.
Rescue trucks and a relief train were deployed to assist evacuation and recovery operations.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, though insurgent violence has long plagued Balochistan, where armed groups frequently target security forces, government infrastructure, and civilians.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.
