Powerful bomb explodes near railway track in Pakistan

A powerful bomb exploded near the railway line as a train carrying passengers was passing through Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, injuring more than two dozen people.

The force of Sunday’s explosion caused two of the train carriages to topple over and catch fire, sending thick black smoke into the air, according to images shared online.

According to eyewitnesses and images circulating on social media, the attack took place in an area where security forces are usually deployed; Many nearby buildings were heavily damaged and vehicles parked along the road were smashed.

Doctors at local hospitals said they were treating more than 30 injured people, many of whom were in critical condition.

Balochistan government official Babar Yousafzai said authorities were still investigating the explosion but did not provide further details.

Quetta is the capital of the rebel-hit Balochistan province.

The oil- and mineral-rich province has long been the scene of a low-level insurgency, with separatist groups such as the outlawed Baluch Liberation Army demanding independence from Pakistan’s central government.

Insurgents frequently targeted security forces, government buildings, and civilians in the state and elsewhere in the country.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.