Seven, including four policemen, martyred, 17 injured in Quetta suicide blast

QUETTA: At least seven people, including four police personnel, have died and 17 others injured on Tuesday when a suspected suicide blast rocked Quetta’s Zarghoon road near the Balochistan Assembly building.

The explosion took place near a police truck parked close to GPO Chowk on Zarghoon Road, located in the city’s high-security Red Zone, around 300 metres from the provincial assembly building.

Quetta DC Farrukh Ateeq confirmed that a police vehicle was targeted in the blast. However, he said he could not confirm the number of wounded persons.

But hospital sources confirmed the death toll, saying at least six persons, including four policemen, were martyred and at least 17 others injured in the explosion.

Police officials did not officially disclose the exact nature of the blast. However, initial investigation suggested a suicide bomber was attempting to target the Balochistan Assembly building but detonated his explosives near the high-security Red Zone area.

Security sources said personnel were on their way back after completion of routine duty when the bomber detonated his explosive. The blast also damaged a public bus nearby.

Rescue teams have been dispatched to the site of the blast while police personnel have taken position around the provincial assembly building.

Additional contingents have also been called in, security sources said.

—This is a developing story and will be updated as further updates are received