Details of the Suicide Attack on a Passenger Train in Quetta, Pakistan

TEHRAN (Defapress) - At least 16 passengers were killed, and 30 others were injured after a suicide blast near the Chaman railway junction in Quetta, Pakistan. The incident, which targeted a passenger train, led to the train derailing and a large fire at the scene.

According to Pakistani Initial Law Enforcement reports, the explosion occurred just as a passenger train was passing over the tracks. Initial investigations by security officials indicate that the incident was a suicide attack.

As a result of the explosion, the train derailed, and the area around the railway track was also set on fire. According to railway officials, the movement of the Jaffar Express train, which was heading towards Peshawar, was stopped at the Quetta railway station after the incident.

Relief sources announced that the bodies of 8 of the victims have been transferred to the Civil Hospital in Quetta, and rescue operations are still ongoing at the scene.

Following the incident, government officials have declared a state of emergency in all government hospitals in Quetta and have called in all medical and healthcare staff.

Local reports indicate that the sound of the massive explosion was heard throughout Quetta and its shockwaves shattered the doors and windows of surrounding buildings, including in the Shahbaz Town area. At least four cars parked near the scene were also severely damaged. Police officers reported heavy gunfire in the area immediately after the explosion.

So far, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. Also, senior officials of the Pakistani central government have not made any official comments on the incident, and only local authorities in Balochistan province have taken a position on the matter.

Babar Yousafzai, Special Assistant to the Home Minister of Balochistan, said that all relevant agencies have been put on alert and urged citizens to refrain from gathering near the scene of the incident. He added: “As soon as more details are known, additional information will be made available to the media.”