Islamabad, May 24: At least 24 people were killed and dozens injured in a blast near a railway track in Pakistan’s Quetta on Sunday, according to Reuters.

The explosion took place near Chaman Phatak as a train was passing through the area, triggering a fire and damaging train coaches, nearby homes and vehicles. Visuals from the scene showed a derailed and mangled carriage, with people searching through the wreckage and rescuers carrying injured passengers on stretchers.

ARY News, citing local police, reported that the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a “fidayee” or suicide operation targeting Pakistani military personnel.

Following reports of the explosion, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

“I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured.”

“Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief,” he added,” he added.

According to the AP, more than two dozen people were wounded in the blast. Doctors told the agency that hospitals in Quetta had received over 30 injured, several of them in critical condition.

AFP, citing officials, reported that army personnel were among those killed and injured in the explosion, which left more than 50 people wounded. An official said the train was carrying army personnel and their family members from Quetta to Peshawar when the blast occurred.

“The train was passing a signal at Chaman Phatak when an explosive-laden car hit one of the carriages, resulting in a big blast,” an official told AFP.

The explosion shattered windows of nearby buildings and destroyed vehicles parked in the area, according to reports. Security forces cordoned off the site as rescue and emergency teams continued operations.

Another official told AFP that several of those on board were travelling ahead of the Eid holiday, which is expected to begin later this week.

Authorities have not yet issued a consolidated official toll, and the number of casualties could change as more information becomes available.

Authorities have yet to issue a consolidated official toll, and the number of casualties may change, according to reports.-Agencies