May 24, 2026, 11:58May 24, 2026, 11:58
Helpers search for survivors in the rubble.Image: keystone
A powerful explosion hit a passenger train in western Pakistan, killing at least 30 people. More than 100 were injured in the incident in the troubled Baluchistan province, a police spokesman told the German Press Agency on Sunday. A separatist group called the Majeed Brigade, which fights for independence from Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The target was military members who wanted to go to their hometowns for the Eid holidays, it was said. There was initially no comment from the authorities.
The incident took place in Quetta, the provincial capital of Baluchistan, while the train was already in motion. The huge explosion derailed the passenger train and damaged neighboring residential areas and vehicles. “At least 30 people were killed and 103 injured in the incident,” said Hameed Ullah Shah, a local police officer, to dpa. There are fears that the number of deaths could rise.
Violence in Pakistan is increasing – attacks on Chinese projects
A state of emergency has been declared in all public and private hospitals in the city, a spokesman for the provincial government said. The explosion derailed at least three wagons and the locomotive. Security forces have cordoned off the area and rescue operations are underway, he said. It was initially unclear where exactly the explosive device was located. The authorities have also not yet confirmed whether and how many army members died – as the separatist group intended.
Violence has increased sharply in Pakistan recently. Last year, a train carrying hundreds of security personnel and their families was hijacked by a banned militant group, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). At least two dozen passengers and soldiers were killed in a day-long battle to free the hostages. The BLA is the largest of several militant groups fighting for Baluchistan’s independence from Pakistan. The group is behind the acts of violence, which are particularly aimed at Chinese infrastructure projects worth billions. (sda/dpa)