24 killed, 40 injured in blast at railway station in Pakistan’s Quetta

At least 24 people were killed, and 40 others injured in a blast at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, according to officials. Quetta’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Mohammad Baloch, said that it appeared to be a suicide attack, though he emphasised that it was too early to confirm.

Several of the injured are in critical condition. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion, Geo TV reported.

Pakistan is grappling with a surge in terrorist attacks in its northwest and a growing separatist insurgency in the south.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound news was about to leave for its destination,” the senior police official added.

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the Quetta blast.

Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the group, stated, “We claim responsibility for the blast at Quetta Railway Station. This morning, a fidayee attack was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta Railway Station as they were returning via the Jaffer news after completing a course at the Infantry School. The attack was executed by the BLA’s fidayee unit, Majeed Brigade. Further details will soon be released to the media.”

The Baloch Liberation Army stated that the attack targeted military personnel aboard the Jaffer news passenger train as it was preparing to depart the station.

The incident also caused damage to railway infrastructure. Authorities have since cordoned off the area.