12 killed, at least 32 injured in Peshawar car bomb blast

Bomb disposal chief says 45 kilograms 'good quality' explosives and mortar shells were packed into the car.


Afp/web Desk February 23, 2012

PESHAWAR: A car bomb ripped through a bus station on Thursday, killing 12 people, including two children on the outskirts of Peshawar, officials said.

Bomb disposal chief Shafqat Malik said 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of “good quality” explosives and mortar shells were packed into the car to maximise destruction when the timed device detonated.

“It was a car bomb blast. Twelve people have been killed and 32 injured, we are investigating whether a suicide bomber was involved or not,” senior police official Kalam Khan told AFP.

Inspector General Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa confirmed that a car was used in the blast. “We have recovered the engine of the car and investigations are underway,” he said.

The deceased and injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital and Satellite Hospital.

Doctor Rahim Jan told AFP that 12 bodies had been brought into Peshawar's main Lady Reading hospital and that 35 people were wounded.

“We have imposed an emergency in the hospital,” he told AFP.

“Several bodies are charred beyond recognition. Ten to 12 of the wounded are in a critical condition,” he added.

The bomb went off on main Kohat Road. More than 10 cars parked in the parking stand were destroyed as a result of the explosion.

The road leads to Miranshah, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan. There was a heavy rush of passengers and buses at the stand when the bomb exploded.

The area was cordoned off by the police while a heavy contingent of police and Frontier Corps had been deployed. A rescue operation was carried out.

Police also arrested a suspect from the bomb site and interrogation is underway.

COMMENTS (27)

Muhammad | 12 years ago | Reply If this act was committed by US or NATO forces, there would have been protests across the country from all walks of life but when muslims kill muslims, that is obviously ok. ...what a nation!!!!!!!!!! Where is Difa-e-Pakistan and other similar outfits protesting acts of terror like this one!!!!!
US CENTCOM | 12 years ago | Reply

The real enemy of the state has stuck again, killing innocent Pakistanis including children. These terrorists have no regard for human lives and have no remorse in taking innocent lives. Our condolences go out to the Pakistani nation and the families of those killed. We pray for fast and full recovery of those injured. Conspiracy theorists have no place here. The terrorists kill innocents in a cowardly fashion and then boldly take responsibility for these attacks, and yet some are still willing to blame the United States and others for these attacks. We have seen that the terrorists are on the run. In their desperation, they are attacking innocent people to inflict as much pain as possible. This is the time to stand united against the terrorists and support our troops who are going after them. They must be defeated so that innocent people can live in peace.

Maj David Nevers DET-United States Central Command www.centcom.mil/ur

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