A devastating explosion rocked Quetta’s main railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province this morning, killing at least 25 people and injuring 46 others. Among the deceased are 14 soldiers, according to police sources. CCTV footage from the site shows dozens of people waiting on the platform when the powerful blast erupted, spreading panic and devastation.
The blast occurred as the Jaffer Express train prepared to depart for Peshawar, said a senior police official. The explosion ripped through the crowded platform, leaving bodies scattered and destroying parts of the station’s structure, including the roof. Rescue workers described scenes of chaos, with blood spattered across the platform as they searched abandoned luggage for survivors.
24 killed & over 30 injured in #QuettaRailwayStation bomb blast. BLA claims responsibility for the attack on Pak Army’s unit while they were in Jaffer Express Train.
Pak army’s atrocities over Baloch people caused anger among them, pushing them to take such extreme steps. pic.twitter.com/7W3B2AK9zE
— Free Balochistan (@FreeBaloch__) November 9, 2024
Militant Group Claims Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic militant group active in Balochistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Known for its insurgency efforts against Pakistan, the BLA has been involved in numerous violent incidents in the past, making this one of the latest in a series of attacks aimed at destabilizing the region.
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According to provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind, security forces swiftly secured the site and initiated an investigation. Law enforcement officials believe the explosion originated from the booking office area, possibly indicating a targeted attack on railway passengers. Police are treating this incident as a suspected suicide bombing, though a thorough investigation is underway.
In the aftermath, the injured were transported to Quetta’s civil hospital, where an emergency was declared to manage the high number of casualties. Medical staff are working around the clock to treat the injured, as authorities continue to gather information from CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts.
Rising Security Concerns in Balochistan
Balochistan has long been plagued by ethnic and separatist insurgencies, with militant groups such as the BLA often targeting government installations and security personnel. This recent attack on a public transport hub has heightened security concerns in the region, prompting officials to increase security at other transportation facilities nationwide.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in securing public spaces against militant violence, with authorities on high alert for potential follow-up attacks as investigations continue. The Balochistan government has vowed to track down those responsible, emphasizing its commitment to securing the region and bringing justice to the victims of this latest assault.
