Overview
- The explosion struck near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, May 24, derailing multiple coaches, overturning at least two cars and triggering fires that killed at least 24 people and wounded dozens.
- Authorities say the shuttle was carrying Pakistan Army personnel and their family members as it traveled from Quetta Cantonment to connect with the Jaffar Express.
- The banned Baloch Liberation Army has claimed the attack and called it a suicide operation while later issuing an unverified statement alleging far higher military casualties.
- Preliminary investigators and eyewitnesses reported a vehicle packed with explosives hit a carriage before detonation and bomb-disposal teams and forensic units are collecting evidence at the sealed site.
- Hospitals in Quetta were placed on emergency footing, security was tightened across transport hubs, and the strike highlights the persistent separatist insurgency that has repeatedly targeted trains and security forces in Balochistan.