Overview
- A powerful explosion hit a train near the Chaman Phatak crossing in Quetta on Sunday, derailing coaches and leaving wreckage and fires at the scene.
- A senior official quoted to AFP said at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured while earlier local reports gave lower tolls, and authorities are still reconciling casualty figures.
- Officials said the train was carrying army personnel and their family members from Quetta toward Peshawar and that victims were taken to Civil Hospital Quetta where an emergency was declared.
- Security forces sealed the site, dispatched rescue and relief teams including a relief train, and opened an investigation into whether an explosive-laden vehicle or a suicide attacker caused the blast.
- The attack fits a recent pattern of strikes on railways and security targets in Balochistan, no group has claimed responsibility, and the incident could prompt tightened security and disruption to rail services in the province.