Quetta: At least 10 people were killed and six others were injured when a deadly explosion hit a vehicle transporting coal miners in the Shahrag region of Balochistan’s Harnai.
According to authorities, the explosion was the result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the road.
The law enforcement agencies responded swiftly, securing the area and moving both the bodies and the survivors to medical facilities.
Some of the injured workers are in critical condition, prompting plans to transfer them to Quetta for more advanced treatment.
Authorities confirmed that most of the victims were from the Swat and Shangla regions. Emergency responders and law enforcement were quick to secure the area and begin gathering evidence.
The Balochistan government strongly condemned the bombing, with spokesperson Shahid Rand announcing that an investigation was underway.
Preliminary reports indicated that the explosive device had been placed by the roadside.
Balochistan government spokesperson expressed grief over the tragic incident. He said that investigations had been ordered into the blast.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the blast in Shahrag area of Harnai district, Balochistan, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those died in the terrorist incident.
They also vowed to continue efforts till the elimination of terrorism from the country.
PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical support to the injured. He also prayed for their early recovery.
The prime minister said the individuals who harm the lives and property of innocent and defenseless citizens will have to pay a very heavy price.
Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, also expressed his condolences, condemning the attack and conveying his sorrow over the loss of lives.