Blast in shuttle train in Quetta, Pakistan, fears many casualties

A massive blast has taken place in a shuttle train in Quetta, Pakistan. The country’s Dawn news agency reported that several people are feared dead in the blast. State news agency APP reported that the blast took place near Chaman Gate shortly after 8 am local time on Sunday (May 24).
The APP reported, citing railway authorities, that the blast was heard after the shuttle train, which was heading from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station, reached Chaman Gate. The nature and cause of the explosion could not be immediately confirmed. Pakistan Railways said that an emergency rescue team has been sent to the scene. The explosion derailed three coaches of the train, including the engine. The APP also said that two more coaches overturned.
The sound of the explosion was so loud that it could be heard in different distant areas of the city. Some nearby houses were also damaged. Several cars parked near the scene caught fire, which was later brought under control by the efforts of multiple fire brigades. A video circulating on social media showed at least 10 vehicles burning. Another video showed multiple ambulances arriving at the scene.
Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and a bomb disposal team rushed to the scene after the blast and began an investigation. Security forces have cordoned off the area. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident. He called it a “terrorist attack” and said that such attacks targeting innocent civilians are crimes against humanity.
Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi condemned the incident as a “cowardly act of terrorism”. He said such attacks cannot destabilize the country and that rail services will continue as normal. A government statement said the attack was carried out by “anti-Pakistan forces” and that India and Afghanistan-based groups were supporting terrorist activities. However, no independent verifiable evidence was immediately available to support these claims. Authorities said a full investigation into the incident is underway and the exact number of casualties will be announced later.