A minor was killed and at least 25 people injured, including police officials on duty, after a powerful explosion rocked the Swabi City police station in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, causing the building to collapse.
The blast occurred in the station's storage room, where explosive materials seized from terrorists were reportedly being kept. According to initial reports, the explosion was triggered by a short circuit, which caused multiple detonations.
District Police Officer (DPO) Swabi said investigations are underway to determine the exact nature of the blast.
"The explosion has severely damaged the building, and rescue teams are on the ground," he stated. Rescue workers and fire brigade personnel quickly reached the scene, transferring the injured to nearby hospitals, including the Bacha Khan Medical Complex, where an emergency has been declared.
Rescue 1122 officials said that the blast damaged a mosque adjacent to the police station building. "These blasts were so loud that they were heard miles away. They even smashed the windows of nearby houses, causing widespread panic among the local residents," said a rescue official.
He added several people had been locked up in the police station building and they were also injured,. "As many as 16 people have been rescued from the police station's building as well as the adjacent mosque. A mass emergency had been declared at the hospital."
However, a child who was present at the nearby mosque was killed as a result of the multiple explosions. At this stage, police ruled out the possibility of terrorism and said that it was premature to jump to any conclusions. Officials said that all evidence led them to believe that the incident was accidental and caused by a short circuit. Two of the injured are said to be in a crucial condition.
Till the filing of this report, it was stated that blood donations were urgently required at the Swabi DHQ and Shah Mansoor Complex.
Swabi police plays a vital role in maintaining law and order in the district. The force is equipped with various units, including specialised teams for handling terrorism and organised crime, enabling them to respond effectively to challenges. Recent initiatives have included enhancing public awareness campaigns and improving collaboration with local communities to foster trust and cooperation.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources and security threats, the Swabi police continue to strive for excellence in service delivery. Their dedication to upholding the law and protecting citizens remains paramount, making them a crucial component of Swabi's governance and stability.
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