At Least Five Dead in Balochistan Blast Near School; Emergency Declared
BALOCHISTAN, November 1, 2024: A devastating blast targeting a police mobile vehicle near the Girls High School at Civil Hospital Chowk in Mastung claimed the lives of at least four schoolchildren and one police officer on Friday.
Authorities reported that around 15 individuals were injured in the explosion, which destroyed the police vehicle and damaged several nearby vehicles, including rickshaws. Most of the injured are schoolchildren, who have been transported to the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) for treatment.
Miandad Umrani a senior police officer said that a remote-controlled explosive device had been planted in the bike. The deceased schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 13, included both boys and girls, while four policemen were among those injured.
In light of the blast, an emergency has been declared across all hospitals in Quetta, including Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital, and the Trauma Centre. The provincial health department has called in all medical staff to assist with the influx of victims. Five injured individuals, including one in critical condition, have been transferred to the Trauma Center.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offering condolences to the families of the deceased policeman and schoolchildren. He urged the local community to remain vigilant against terrorism, stating, “The monster of terrorism can only be fought together.”