Three policemen, including a senior officer, were martyred while 24 people were injured in a blast near a police van at Quetta’s Fatima Jinnah Road, officials said on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media, DIG Operations Fida Hussain said that a police mobile from the City police station was in the area around 7pm when a loud explosion took place.
He said that the nature of the blast was being ascertained, but added that 2-2.5 kilogrammes of explosives were used.
Hussain also identified one of the deceased as Ajmal Nadeem, an acting DSP Crime Branch, adding that 24 people — including police officials — were injured.
Quetta Civil Hospital Spokesperson Dr Waseem Baig confirmed the casualties, adding that the injured were being transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
TV footage showed rescue workers dousing tall flames at the site of the blast. The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, in a statement, strongly condemned the incident. He also directed hospitals to impose an emergency and for all doctors and paramedical staff to ensure their presence.
