A+ A-

Blast kills 7 policemen, wounds 22 people in SW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- At least seven policemen were killed and 22 others were injured on Wednesday in an explosion in Quetta city of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.
According to initial police investigation, a roadside bomb exploded just as a police vehicle carrying 35 police personnel passed the Sariab Mill area on the Quetta-Sibbi Road.
The spokesperson for Civil Hospital Quetta, Wasim Baig confirmed that seven dead people and 22 injured had been brought to the medical facility where an emergency has been imposed.
The truck was carrying police recruits, five of whom were killed, along with two passers-by.
Around 50 kilograms of explosive was used in the explosion.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the attack and directed authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured.
Balochistan has been facing insurgency for over a decade and militants have targeted security forces several times in past. Earlier in August, around 15 people, including eight soldiers, were martyred when a suicide bomber targeted a military truck near the Pishin bus stop in Quetta city. (end) sbk.mb