A deadly bomb explosion targeting a passenger train in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has killed at least 20 people and left more than 50 others injured.
The blast occurred on Sunday while the train was travelling through the city, causing several carriages to derail, overturn, and catch fire. Security personnel and local residents were seen rescuing injured victims from the wreckage.
The separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army, claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to reports, the explosive device was believed to have been planted in a nearby car park close to the railway track. The powerful explosion also caused severe damage to nearby homes and buildings.
Authorities in Quetta declared a state of emergency at public hospitals, with medical personnel directed to remain on duty to attend to the growing number of casualties.
Videos circulating online showed burnt train carriages lying on their sides, alongside damaged vehicles at the scene.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in attacks by separatist groups in recent months, particularly in Balochistan, where militants have also targeted Chinese workers linked to infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
