Devastating Blast at Quetta Railway Station Kills 25, Including 14 Soldiers; CCTV Footage Captures Moment of Explosion
Quetta Railway Station: In a tragic incident at Quetta’s main railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, a massive explosion killed 25 people and injured 46 others this morning. The suspected suicide blast, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), targeted a crowded platform as passengers awaited the departure of the Jaffer Express train to Peshawar. The explosion, described as one of the deadliest in recent months, was captured on CCTV, revealing the chaotic and devastating aftermath.
The Moment of the Explosion: CCTV Footage Reveals Horror
Footage from the station’s surveillance cameras showed dozens of people on the platform moments before the blast tore through the crowded area. The powerful explosion reportedly blew off the station roof, leaving bodies scattered across the platform and luggage strewn amid pools of blood. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, searching for survivors and providing immediate medical aid.
Casualties Include Soldiers and Civilians
According to Balochistan’s Inspector General of Police, Mouzzam Jah Ansari, the blast was aimed specifically at military personnel stationed at the Infantry School. Of the 25 fatalities, at least 14 were soldiers, marking a grim escalation in the recent surge of violence targeting both security forces and civilians. The remaining victims included civilians, children, and railway staff who were present on the platform when the explosion occurred.
Quetta Civil Hospital Declares Emergency as Injured Flood In
Following the blast, local law enforcement and rescue teams secured the area, while injured survivors were rushed to Quetta’s civil hospital. A hospital representative confirmed that at least 46 people were being treated for severe injuries, and additional medical staff were called in to manage the sudden influx of patients. Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that the hospital remains on high alert to handle any further emergencies.
BLA Claims Responsibility Amid Rising Ethnic Militancy in Balochistan
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a known ethnic militant group in Balochistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. BLA has intensified its operations against state personnel and infrastructure in recent months, with today’s attack being one of the most significant in its campaign. The group has a long-standing history of insurgency in the region, often targeting police stations, highways, and military personnel.
Government Condemns the Attack and Orders Immediate Investigation
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the bombing, calling it a “horrific act” and highlighting the senseless targeting of innocent civilians, laborers, and families. “Those targeting innocent people do not deserve mercy,” Bugti said, expressing sympathy for the victims’ families and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. An immediate investigation has been ordered to determine the full extent and details of the blast.
Pakistan Faces Escalating Terror Threats in Balochistan
The Quetta railway station blast comes on the heels of a series of violent incidents in Balochistan, with terror attacks on police stations and highways claiming at least 73 lives over the last three months. The government has been under pressure to curb the rising tide of ethnic militancy, as regions like Balochistan face persistent security challenges from groups advocating separatist agendas.
As law enforcement intensifies its efforts to bring those responsible to justice, the people of Pakistan mourn the loss of lives and brace for possible repercussions amid an ongoing wave of violence and insurgency.
