Five killed, dozens injured in Quetta blast

QUETTA: Five persons lost their lives while more than 20 were injured in the string of blasts that rocked Quetta in the past 14 hours, Geo News reported Thursday.

The series of blasts in Quetta started Wednesday night that continued today as five persons including a policeman and a child were killed when a powerful blast occurred near Sarki Road today morning.

Hospital sources said four of those injured were in critical condition.

Several cars and motorcycles were damaged in the blast while a Frontier Corps vehicle was completely destroyed. Nearby buildings were also damaged due to the impact.

The bomb disposal squad told that it was an IED time device attached to a motorcycle that went off with a blast.

Law enforcement agencies reached the site immediately after the blast. SSP Operation Muhammad Jaffar said approximately 7-8 kilograms of explosives having ball bearing and bolts were used in the blast.

Rescue sources, gun shots were also heard after the blast. The dead bodies were shifted to the hospital for medico-legal formalities.

Security forces cordoned off the area and initiated investigation.

Another blast occurred at Eidgah Chowk in Chaman area of Balochistan today morning that injured four persons.

Assistant Commissioner Chaman Ismail Ibrahim told the blast occurred near Christian Colony where militants had fixed explosives in a motorcycle.

Due to the explosion, four persons including a child were injured who were shifted to Civil Hospital in Chaman for treatment.

The bomb disposal squad told that approximately 4-5 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast.

Security forces kicked of a search operation following the blast in order to nab the culprits while the blast site was cordoned off.

It may be mentioned that two persons lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries in a blast that occurred on Wednesday night in Quetta. The public expressed its concern over the security situation in the city that has exposed inability of the law enforcement agencies to maintain peace in the region.