A powerful bomb explosion near a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan killed at least 14 people on Sunday. The incident took place in Balochistan Province, a region where separatist insurgency has been ongoing for years. Local officials confirmed the details.
The blast occurred around 8 a.m. local time near a railway crossing close to the Afghanistan border. Numerous militant groups operate in the area, and their activities have intensified recently.
The explosion occurred as a shuttle train with dozens of passengers, including some from a nearby military base, was heading to Quetta’s main railway station. The force of the blast derailed the locomotive and at least three coaches. Two carriages overturned. These details were shared by Pakistan’s railway minister, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.
Many passengers were likely traveling to visit family in anticipation of Eid al-Adha, set to be celebrated on Wednesday in Pakistan. The train would have connected with the Jaffer Express, an essential 1,000-mile rail link between Quetta and major Pakistani cities.
Shahid Rind, an official from Balochistan’s provincial government, reported at least 14 confirmed deaths. However, a police officer and health department official in Quetta, speaking anonymously, disclosed over 20 bodies, including women and children, had been brought to a hospital. More than three dozen individuals sustained injuries.
Initial investigations by police and Mr. Rind suggest a possible suicide attack. A bomb disposal squad’s final assessment is awaited.