A blast at Quetta Railway Station has left 16 dead and 30 injured.

Published at: November 9, 2024 6:46 AM

Updated at: November 9, 2024 6:53 AM

A police officer reported that at least 16 people were killed and 30 injured in a blast at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday.

Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Mohammad Baloch, confirmed the death toll while speaking to reporters, noting that the blast "appears to be a suicide attack" though it is too early to confirm. An investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the explosion.

SSP Baloch mentioned that approximately 100 people were present at the site, based on footage he reviewed. He added that a train was reportedly preparing to depart for Peshawar when the explosion occurred.

Zeeshan, the head of Edhi Rescue Service, reported that the blast took place on a platform inside the railway station.

The banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the incident.

According to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, police and security forces promptly arrived at the scene. The Bomb Disposal Squad is gathering evidence, and a report on the blast has been requested.

An emergency was declared at local hospitals, with medical aid being provided to the injured.

Ongoing Attacks on Innocent Civilians

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling it a "continued targeting of innocent people."

In a statement, CM Bugti remarked, "The terrorists are now targeting innocent people, including laborers, children, and women. Those who harm innocents deserve no mercy."

The chief minister has directed an investigation into the blast and reached out to senior officials in Balochistan for updates.

"Terrorists cannot be called human," CM Bugti added, emphasizing that they "have fallen from humanity and are worse than animals." He noted that suspects involved in past terrorist acts had been traced and vowed that those responsible for this incident would also be brought to justice.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, he declared, "We will eradicate terrorism from Balochistan."