Cracker attack: Number of injured reaches 14

HYDERABAD: A cracker explosion on eve of Independence Day in Hyderabad left around 14 people, including a woman, injured. The incident occurred near Nai Pul area at a time when the city was brimming with rallies.

A cart selling lassi under the Sakhi Abdul Wahab Shah Jeelani Flyover was targeted. Hyderabad SSP Irfan Baloch told the media that two unidentified suspects placed an improvised explosive device under the cart and fled.

An official of the bomb disposal squad, who requested anonymity, said that the ball bearings and metal objects on the pushcart released by the explosion injured people.

Initially, Edhi sources reported seven injured people but by midnight the figure had increased.

Most of the injured persons hailed from Peshawar, Bajaur Agency, Swat and Quetta and live in Bacha Khan Chowk area. The SSP indicated that nationalist elements could be involved in the attack but he said it was early to name anyone.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2016.