A blast near a railway track in Pakistan’s Balochistan province kills at least 24 people and injures dozens, according to multiple reports. The explosion occurs on Sunday near Chaman Phatak railway station in Quetta. Times of India reports the blast targets a train carrying military personnel near the station, while The Hindu describes the incident as an explosion near the railway track and says relevant institutions are placed on high alert. Business Standard adds that the blast damages a train (described as suffering partial damage) and also damages vehicles parked in the area; it reports nearby building windows and glass panels are shattered.
Following the blast, authorities declare an emergency in hospitals in Quetta and place institutions on high alert. The reports also state that emergency response personnel and medical staff are mobilised. Business Standard further says railway authorities stop the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express at Quetta Railway Station as a precaution. The reported death toll and injury figures vary by outlet, with injuries described as at least 20 and also as over 50, depending on the source.
