24 dead, over 50 injured in Quetta blast

At least 24 people were killed, while several others were injured  in an explosion on the platform of a railway station in Quetta, local media reported Saturday

According to rescue officials, 24 people was killed and more than 50 people were injured in the blast. The injured are being shifted to a hospital.

Police and rescue teams have been dispatched to the site of the blast.

According to railway officials, Jafar Express was scheduled to leave for Peshawar at 9 pm. However, the train was not yet arrived on the platform at the time of the blast, which took place near the ticket house.

Rescue officials told Geo News that with several of the injured in critical condition, the death toll from the blast may rise.

Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Operations Quetta Muhammad Baloch, while speaking to media, said that the explosion seemed to be a suicide blast. However, he noted that further investigation was underway.

Providing details on the death toll SSP Operations Baloch said that the death toll stood at 21 with 30 others wounded in the blast.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” said the police officer.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Quetta blast, offering prayers for the deceased and extending his condolences to their families.

He also instructed that the injured receive medical assistance on a priority basis and requested an investigative report from the Balochistan government regarding the incident.

The Premier stated that those terrorists who harm innocent and defenseless citizens will have to pay a heavy price.

He emphasized that the government and security forces are fully committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism.