QUETTA, February 17: At least eight people including policemen were killed and 23 others sustained wounds in a bomb explosion at the Shahrah-i-Adalat near press club on Monday.
According to details, the blast’s epicentre was the crowded Jinnah road where a religious figurehead was leading a rally. The intensity of the blast broke the windows of nearby buildings and also damaged vehicles parked in the vicinity. Several vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged. Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area and started investigation into the incident. The bomber – a young man – was racing towards the rally, said a police official who was present at the site. He detonated himself after being intercepted by security personnel. Eight bodies and 21 wounded persons were brought to the Civil Hospital, a spokesperson confirmed. While on the other hand, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abdul Razaq Cheema confirmed to the media present on location that the blast was suicidal in nature. DIG Quetta said that the deaths reported so far also included three security officials. The bomber tried to target a crowded area but was stopped at a checkpoint by the local police, upon being stopped the suicide bomber detonated himself, said the DIG. – DNA
