Islamabad: At least seven people, including five schoolchildren and a policeman, were killed in a targeted explosion in Balochistan's Mastung district on Friday morning, according to media reports.
The blast, which was reportedly aimed at a police mobile van near Civil Hospital Chowk, also injured more than a dozen people, many of whom were children.
Explosion cause damage
The tragic event took place close to the Girls High School in Mastung, with the explosion causing extensive damage to vehicles in the vicinity. According to District Police Officer (DPO) Miandad Umrani, "Five people, including a policeman and three schoolchildren were martyred in the blast."
DPO Umrani further confirmed that 12 people, including four police officers, were injured in the explosion.
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Initial investigations revealed that the explosives were planted in a motorcycle and detonated remotely as the police van passed.
"The blast occurred near a police van at the Civil Hospital Chowk," DPO Umrani explained. He added that the blast had damaged the police vehicle and several auto-rickshaws that were nearby.
Police van charred
Footage from the scene displayed severe wreckage, with emergency responders and local residents gathering to assist the injured and secure the area. Witnesses reported a police van charred by the blast as smoke filled the air.
An emergency was declared across all Quetta hospitals after the blast, the report said quoting the provincial health department spokesperson, adding that all doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses and other medical staff were summoned.
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CM Sarfaraz Bugti
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the blast expressing grief over the loss of lives. He extended condolences to the relatives of the martyred policeman and schoolchildren.
"Terrorists have now targeted innocent children along with labourers,” said Bugti, resolving to avenge the blood of innocent citizens including children.
He added that locals among the civilian population also have to keep an eye on the terrorists. "The monster of terrorism can only be fought together." Acting President and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani also condemned the incident and expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives.
"Terrorist elements are an enemy to humanity. The nation stands strong beside the security forces and law enforcement agencies against terrorism," he said. (with Agency inputs)
