People mourn over the death of their relatives at a hospital in southwest Pakistan's Quetta on Oct. 18, 2017. At least seven people, including six policemen, were killed and over 22 injured when a suicide blast hit a security forces truck in Quetta city in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on Wednesday, reported local media. (Xinhua/Asad)
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people, including six policemen, were killed and over 22 injured when a suicide blast hit a security forces truck in Quetta city in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on Wednesday, reported local media.
Sarfraz Bhugti, Home Minister of Balochistan, said the attack happened when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the security forces truck in Saryab area of Quetta, killing seven people on the spot and wounding 22 others.
Medical Superintendent of the Civil Hospital Quetta, Shah Jahan, said that seven bodies including six policemen, and 24 injured, mostly policemen, have been brought to the hospital.
Death toll might further rise as seven of the injured people were in critical condition, said hospital sources. A state of emergency has also been declared in all the hospitals in the city.
Abdul Razzaq Cheema, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Quetta, said the incident took place on Wednesday morning when a truck of Elite Force of Police was carrying about 30 policemen to duty, adding that there were general threats regarding an incident of terrorism in the city.
Rescue teams, police and security forces rushed to the site after the blast was reported.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and kicked off a search operation in the surroundings.
Bomb Disposal Squad of Police said over 100 kg of explosives were used in the blast.
The Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on the security forces. Local media said that TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khurasani took credit of the attack in a statement.
Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Khan Zehri condemned the attack and called for the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
"The people and government of Balochistan will not be deterred from the fight against terrorism," Zehri said, adding the fight will continue till the last terrorist remains.
Both Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Mamnoon Hussain condemned the blast and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the attack.
