A deadly explosion struck a train in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Baluchistan today (Sunday), killed at least 24 people, including soldiers and civilians, and injuring more than 50 others, according to officials.
The blast hit a passenger train carrying military personnel as it passed near a railway track in the Quetta area, a region long affected by insurgent violence and security operations. Two train coaches were reportedly derailed and caught fire following the powerful explosion.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene as thick smoke rose from the wreckage, while hospitals in Quetta declared emergency response measures due to the high number of casualties.
Authorities confirmed that members of the security forces were among those killed, although a full breakdown of military and civilian victims has not yet been released, according to news agencies.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Security officials have cordoned off the area and launched a full investigation into the incident, which is believed to have involved an improvised explosive device (IED) placed near the railway line.
Baluchistan has witnessed repeated attacks targeting security forces, infrastructure, and transport routes as part of a long-running insurgency in the province. Analysts say train routes and military convoys remain high-risk targets despite increased security operations in recent years.
The latest incident is expected to further heighten tensions in the region, where authorities have already been conducting intensified counterinsurgency operations.
Investigations are ongoing, and officials warn that the death toll could rise as more critically injured victims are being treated in hospitals.
