One killed, 10 injured in Quetta blast

Rescue sources say explosives were planted on a motorcycle; several nearby vehicles damaged

QUETTA:

One woman was killed while 10 others injured in a bomb blast in the busy Kandhari Bazaar area of Quetta on Saturday evening.

According to police, unidentified miscreants had planted an explosive device in a motorcycle, which they parked at the crossing between Masjid Road and Kandhari Bazaar.

As a result of the motorcycle explosion, one person was killed on the spot while 10 others were injured. A woman, who was passing through the area, was among those injured in the explosion.

A spokesperson for the Counter-Terrorism Department confirmed that the explosive device was detonated remotely. He also said that three cars and several motorcycles were destroyed in the blast, while nearby shops also sustained damages.

Soon after the incident, the police and other security personnel reached the site and shifted the victims to the Civil Hospital, Quetta.

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“We have received one body and 10 injured in the hospital,” said Dr Wasim Baig, a spokesperson for the Civil Hospital.

Meanwhile, the bomb disposal squad reached the site and collected evidence in the aftermath of the explosion.

The deceased was identified as Syed Nida Muhammad while those injured include Nawab Khan, Zarab Shah, Ms Tajala, Muhammad Saim, Naimatullah, Abdul Mateen, Syed Mir, Abdul Samad and Ali Khan.

So far, nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack. Further investigation is under way.
Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and his Adviser on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langau expressed their grief over the incident.

The chief minister also sought a report on the attack and directed the inspector general of police (IGP) to take steps to ensure foolproof security in the city.

“Anti-peace elements will not be spared and will be soon brought to justice,” he added.