Blast inside Jaffar Express kills 16 at Sibi railway station

SIBI: At least 16 people including four children and three women were killed in a blast inside the bogie of Jaffer Express at Sibi railway station. The blast left 40 others injured, 19 of them critically.

The outlawed United Baloch Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.



According to initial reports, the bomb was planted inside the washroom of bogie number 9 of the Jaffar Express, which went off as it arrived at the Sibi railway station.

Divisional Superintendent Railways Quetta, Mohammad Ashraf said the ill-fated train had arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule at the Sibi railway station. The blast took place prior to the security clearance of the train.

Mohammad Ashraf said following the blast fire sparked in the bogie resulting in the deaths. He added the fire also spread to three other bogies of the train.



Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique speaking to Geo News, said thirty people had also been injured in the horrific blast.

"There was aggressive patrolling in place at railway tracks after trains were being targeted. This could be a reaction to the FC operation which took place yesterday."