At least four people, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a sub-inspector (SI), were killed and 13 others injured in twin blasts at Rehri Road in Sherpao Colony, Landhi on Thursday.
Three rescue ambulances and a police mobile were also damaged in the powerful explosions, which also blew up electricity poles at the site and windowpanes of nearby houses. A large number of security officials and rescue workers reached the spot for rescue operations. Local residents came out of their houses to help rescue teams. Industrial garbage in the area caught fire after the explosions, causing layers of smoke to blanket the area.
“At least four people including DSP Kamal Khan Mangan and SI Akbar Ahmed were killed and 13 others sustained injuries in the twin blasts at Sherpao Colony,” Sindh Police Inspector General (IG) Fayyaz Laghari told Pakistan Today. The first bomb was planted in the industrial garbage surrounding both sides of Rehri Road and the second was planted in cement blocks, he said, adding that no casualty was reported in the first blast but the second explosion claimed lives of four people.
“Apparently, the first blast was meant to attract a large number of people at the site and in the second blast the terrorists targeted security officials and rescue workers,” said Laghari, adding that seven policemen including the station house officer (SHO) of Quaidabad Police Amanullah Marwat were among the injured. “It would be premature to declare the name of the group involved in these blasts until the investigation is completed,” the IG said.
Following the second blast, police and Rangers vanished from the spot and only a team of intelligence officials and members of bomb disposal squad were present to gather evidence for further investigation. A large number of local residents gathered at the spot which created difficulties for officials to complete their work. No police official of Malir Town was present at the spot to disperse the crowd from the site amid fears of a possible third explosion.
Talking to Pakistan Today, BDS ASI Abdul Rauf said 200kg to 300kg of explosive material was used in both explosions. A large number of nuts, bolts and ball bearings were used for maximum damage, he said, adding that a huge quantity of industrial waste was dumped at both sides of Rehri Road and there was a possibility that some more bombs of low intensity were hidden in these garbage dumps.
“It seems the first blast was plotted to attract security and rescue officials,” a high-ranked intelligence officer at the spot told Pakistan Today. The first bomb was planted and the second explosion occurred with the help of a remote controlled device, he said, adding that it was an open area and terrorists might have been monitoring the movement of people before exploding the second bomb through the device.
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) In-charge Dr Seemin Jamali said four dead bodies and 15 injured were brought to the hospital. “The condition of injured persons was declared stable after first aid,” she added.
