74 killed in blast at Quetta's civil hospital after lawyer's killing
QUETTA (Web Desk / AFP) – At least 74 people including lawyers and media men were killed and dozens injured in a suicide blast at the Civil Hospital in southwestern city of Quetta on Monday morning, Dunya News reported.
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| PHOTO BY: AFP |
Graphic video footage from the scene showed bodies strewn on the ground, some still smoking, among pools of blood and shattered glass as shocked survivors cried and comforted one another.
A large burn mark against white brick appeared to indicate where the explosion occurred.
Many of the dead were lawyers and journalists who had earlier gathered to cover a protest over the murder of Balochistan Bar Association president Bilal Anwar Kasi.
Aaj TV cameraman Shehzad and ex-BBA president Muhammad Kakar were among those killed in the incident, whereas, Dunya News reporter Faridullah and Dawn News cameraman Mehmood were among the injured people.
PHOTO: Aaj TV cameraman Shehzad
PHOTO: Ex-BBA president Muhammad Kakar
Soon after the explosion, a heavy contingent of security personnel arrived at the hospital and cordoned off the blast site.According to Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), eight to nine kilograms of explosives were used in the attack.The injured persons were immediately rushed to Bolan Medical Complex and other nearby hospitals.
Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Anwar Kasi was gunned down in Quetta earlier today.
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| PHOTO: BBA President Bilal Kasi |
According to police, Kasi’s car came under attack on Manu Jan Road in the city. The assailants were riding a motorbike and could not be identified immediately.
Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
PM CONDEMNS ATTACK
Deploring the loss of precious lives in the incident, the Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to maintain utmost vigilance and beef up security for the legal fraternity and members of civil society.
Nawaz Sharif said no one will be allowed to disturb peace in the province that has been restored due to countless sacrifices of security forces, police and the people of Balochistan.
He also directed for provision of best treatment to those injured in the attack and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
On the other hand, the Balochistan Bar Council has announced three-day mourning across the province.
Provincial government spokesman Anwalullah Kakar said that an investigation is underway.
Via Dunya News
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