Pakistani authorities said that at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured after a powerful explosion targeted a train carrying military personnel near the Chaman Batak railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday.The explosion occurred near the railway line in Quetta and partially damaged the train, while at least 10 vehicles parked nearby were also damaged, according to police officials.GeoTV reported that the impact of the explosion shattered the windows and glass panels of nearby buildings. A number of injured people were transferred to nearby hospitals to receive treatment.According to Agence France-Presse, among those killed were army soldiers in the attack that occurred in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.The train, which was carrying army personnel and their family members, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar and was on its way to spend the Eid holiday when the explosion occurred.The train was passing a signal at Chaman Batak when an explosive device exploded in one of the carriages, causing a powerful explosion, the official said.Pictures and videos from the site showed a mangled train car lying on its side, as people climbed over the wreckage searching for survivors.
Many injured victims were seen being carried away on stretchers while armed security forces cordoned off the area.
Following the incident, authorities declared a state of emergency in government hospitals across Quetta and called in more doctors and medical staff to deal with the situation.Railway officials said that the Jafar Express train bound for Peshawar was stopped at Quetta railway station as a precautionary measure after the explosion.Babar Yousafzai, spokesman for the provincial interior minister, said all relevant institutions were placed on high alert following the explosion.He also urged people to avoid gathering near the explosion site so that rescue and emergency teams can continue their operations without hindrance.Security forces and rescue teams arrived in the area shortly after the explosion and began relief and investigation operations.Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, has faced instability and underdevelopment for a long time. The region has also seen a long-running insurgency, with separatist groups accusing the federal government of exploiting its rich natural gas and mineral resources without sufficient local benefit.