IED attack partially derails Akbar Bugti Express in Mastung

One person was also injured in the attack

QUETTA: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) injured one and partially derailed the Akbar Bugti Express in Dasht area near Spezad Railway Station in Mastung district on Thursday evening.

A Pakistan Railway official confirmed that at least eight bogies and the engine of the train were derailed as a result of the blast, while one person was injured.

“The engine and eight boogies got derailed after the blast,” he said. “There was intense firing after the explosions.”

The railway official added that IEDs were planted on the railway track, which detonated just as the train from Lahore was passing through Dasht.

“One injured was brought at the Provincial Sandeman Hospital,” medics said.

The injured was identified as Javed, and is said to be out of danger.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, rail traffic between Quetta and rest of the country has been suspended.

Security forces and rescue workers soon reached the spot, and repair work on the damaged track has also begun.

Meanwhile, Railways Minister Saad Rafiq has said that all passengers were safe in the aftermath of the attack and that 80 per cent of the passengers have been sent to Quetta via road.

He added that DS Quetta and IG Railways have been directed to submit an inquiry report by Friday.