A powerful suicide bombing targeted a passenger train in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province. An explosive-laden car hit one of the train carriages as it passed through the city, triggering a massive blast.
The explosion killed at least 24 people and injured more than 70 others, with several victims remaining in critical condition. The blast was so powerful that two train cars overturned and caught fire, while nearby buildings were damaged and parked vehicles were smashed. One resident reported being jolted awake by the explosion from 15 miles away.
The attack targeted military personnel and their families ahead of the Eid holiday and occurred in an area where security forces are usually stationed. A separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the heinous bomb explosion and sent his condolences to the families of the victims.