A powerful bomb explosion in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan has killed more than 20 people and injured dozens of others, according to local authorities and media reports. The attack took place in Quetta, the provincial capital, when a train carrying passengers passed near a railway track where explosives had reportedly been planted.
Officials said the force of the blast caused several train carriages to overturn and catch fire, while nearby buildings and vehicles were also heavily damaged. Emergency workers rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and transport the injured to hospitals across the city.
The separatist militant group known as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted a train allegedly carrying security personnel. Pakistani authorities condemned the bombing as an act of terrorism and announced the launch of a major investigation and security operation in the region.
Balochistan has long experienced violence linked to separatist insurgent groups, armed militancy, and attacks on government forces and infrastructure. The province, which is rich in natural resources, has witnessed repeated bombings and clashes over the years despite ongoing military operations by the Pakistani government.
The latest bombing has renewed concerns about worsening insecurity in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent months. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as several injured victims remain in critical condition.