PARACHINAR: A bomb blast at a local market in Parachinar killed 20 people and injured over 50 people.
The bomb, apparently planted in the Eidgah Market in Parachinar area of Kurrum Agency, went off early in the morning. At the time of the blast a large number of people had gathered at the market to buy fruits and vegetables.
Area MNA Sajid Hussain Turi said that the bomb was planted in the market. Eye witnesses said that the blast was so severe that it led to stampede at the market.
Initially, the bodies and injured were shifted to a local hospital.
However, as the local hospitals lack treatment facilities, the critically-injured people are being shifted to Peshawar for treatment in helicopters. Medics said that at least 10 patients were in critical condition.
Following the blast, security forces cordoned off the area, and started a search operation.
It is to be mentioned here that the market has been targeted earlier too and this was said to be the fourth blast.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, the blast occurred at 8:50 am in the morning.
Quick Reaction Forces of Army and FC rushed to the blast site soon after the incident. The injured were being shifted to Peshawar in Army helicopter.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister took notice of the Parachinar blast and sought report of the incident. He expressed his sympathies with the heirs of victims and injured.
