A deadly bomb attack took place at the main railway station in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan. At least 21 people were killed and more than 50 people were injured.
Several women and children were among the dead and injured. Pakistan’s daily The Express Tribune, citing police and eyewitnesses, reported that when the Zafar Express from Quetta to Peshawar arrived at the platform at around 9 am on Saturday, passengers were gathering to board the train, when the explosion occurred.

Police said there was a large crowd on the platform at the time of the blast.
Balochistan Police Quetta Division Senior Superintendent (SSP) Muhammad Baloch told reporters that preliminary investigation results suggest that it was a suicide bombing. He also mentioned that the death toll may increase in the near future.

Balochistan’s pro-independence armed group Baloch Liberation Army has already issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.
Shortly after the bomb blast, the police and paramilitary Rangers formed a security cordon around the spot. They also arranged to send the injured to different hospitals in Quetta for treatment.

The detonated bomb was quite powerful. Because the roof of the station where the explosion took place, was blown off. In addition, many witnesses reported that explosions were heard in many areas of Quetta.

In an immediate message, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting innocent civilians is a very cowardly and despicable act. Those involved in this attack will be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

It is also known that he has already ordered the Balochistan Police to investigate the attack on an urgent basis.

Sources: The Express Tribune, NDTV