4 killed, 13 injured in Quetta hotel blast

A powerful blast in the parking lot of a luxury hotel in the Balochistan capital killed four people and injured 13 others, while destroying several vehicles parked there on Wednesday night, police officials and witnesses said.

The explosion occurred at around 10:30 pm, according to reports. A police spokesperson later said that it was vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, which went off in the parking area of the hotel on Zarghoon Road. The spokesperson confirmed 4 deaths and 13 injuries in the blast.

According to the spokesperson, it was terrorist attack and possibly a suicide car bombing. “Terrorist could not enter the main hotel building. He detonated in parking. According to initial investigation, it may be a suicide blast,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

“CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department] has started investigation. Bomb Disposal [Squad] is analysing the explosives. Evidence is being collected,” it said, adding that the terrorists would be brought to justice. “They cannot stop progress and development of Pakistan with such cowardly acts.”

Fire and rescue teams arrived at the scene and security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the explosion. Medical Superintendent of the Quetta Civil Hospital Arbab Kamran Kasi confirmed the deaths and injuries and said the condition of the two injured was critical.

Quetta Deputy Commissioner Major (retd) Aurangzeb Badini said the blast was apparently aimed at a Kashmir Solidarity Day rally that was passing nearby. He also said in a tweet that 2 assistant commissioners were also among the injured.

According Badini, “the casualties have been shifted to hospital” and the “wounded are being given the best treatment” by the health department. “Situation is under control, people are requested to avoid rumours and don’t create panic.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan condemned the bomb blast and sought report of the incident. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of human lives and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

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