QUETTA: At least 20 people got killed and more than 48 persons sustained severe injuries after a bomb went off in a fruit market in Hazarganji of Quetta at 8:05 am on Friday.
According to Security sources, the bomb was planted in a potato-filled sack.
The killed included nine civilians belonging to Hazara community whereas five personnel of Frontier Corps also sustained injuries, security sources said.
Moreover, the explosion took place when both fruit buyers and sellers were present in big number at the market, security source added.
Security forces and Rescue team reached the spot after receiving information of the blast and shifted the injured to Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences.
As per the latest reports, the death toll is likely to rise.
DIG Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema said that investigation is underway to determine the nature of the blast.
The buildings near the spot of the explosion also got affected.
Bomb Disposal squad also reached the spot and commenced search operation after cordoning off the affected fruit market.
Police and FC officials were deployed at all exit and entrances of the area to thoroughly search all suspicious individuals.
