ALBAWABA- A deadly explosion struck a passenger train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday morning, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 80 others, according to local authorities and media reports.
Some reports suggested the death toll could rise significantly, with unofficial estimates placing fatalities between 30 and 40, and the number of injured exceeding 100.
The blast occurred as the train, reportedly carrying Pakistani military personnel and their families toward Quetta Cantonment, was passing through the area. The explosion derailed at least three coaches, including the locomotive, and triggered fires that spread to nearby vehicles and surrounding structures.
Many of the casualties are believed to be soldiers and members of their families, although officials have not yet released a complete list of victims.
The separatist militant group Balochistan Liberation Army, specifically its Majeed Brigade faction, claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a suicide bombing targeting army personnel.
Pakistani officials strongly condemned the attack and accused “Indian-sponsored terrorists” of involvement, a claim frequently made by Islamabad following insurgent violence in Balochistan. No independent verification of the allegations has been provided.
Emergency crews and security forces rushed to the scene as rescue operations continued throughout the day. The injured were transferred to several medical facilities, including Civil Hospital Quetta and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Railway operations in the affected area were suspended while authorities conducted repairs and security inspections. Security personnel sealed off the blast site and launched an investigation into the attack.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting security forces, railway infrastructure, and transport routes in Balochistan, where separatist insurgent groups have waged a long-running campaign against the Pakistani state.
Passenger trains, including the Jaffar Express, have repeatedly come under attack in recent years amid escalating violence in the province, which remains affected by separatist unrest, resource disputes, and persistent security instability.
