Balochistan bleeds again: One martyred, at least 11 injured in Chaman IED blast

Incident takes place hours after 20 people martyred in IED explosion at Quetta vegetable market

QUETTA: Hours after at least 20 people including two children martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion at a vegetable market in Quetta, one person was martyred and at least 11 others including two FC personnel injured in a similar incident in Chaman on Friday.

According to police officials, the powerful explosion took place at Palestine Chowk -- Mall Road-Trench Road junction -- of the Balochistan’s border town.

A 22-year-old man was martyred while 11 others including two FC personnel sustained injuries in the explosion, SHO Gul Muhammad confirmed. The explosion occurred when a FC vehicle was passing through the area, he added.

After collecting evidence from the site, the bomb disposal squad declared it an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, adding that explosives were planted in a motorcycle parked in the area.



Police and FC paramilitary force cordoned off the whole area in the aftermath of the incident while a fire brigade unit successfully doused the fire erupted following the explosion.

Injured were rushed to District Headquarter Hospital, where an emergency was imposed. Some of the injured were admitted in critical condition, according to rescue sources, who added that doctors and other paramedic staff were called in at the hospital.

Police officials said that several nearby shops, three cars and eight motorcycles parked in the area were damaged in the explosion.

Mall Road and Trench Road were closed for all traffic following the incident.

Condemning the terrorist attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed deep grief and sorrow over the incident. He directed the officials concerned to keep the security in all sensitive cities of the province on high-alert. CM Khan also directed officials to ensure best possible medical assistance to the injured.

Reaffirming his commitment to utilise all resources in eradicating terrorism from the province, the chief minister vowed not to allow terrorists regain composure.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly