At least two people were killed and some 15 others injured on Friday when an explosion hit a mosque in the western Pakistani city of Quetta, broadcaster Geo TV reported, citing regional emergency services. According to Geo TV, the explosion took place during a prayer in which from 30 to 40 people participated.
Abdful Razzak Cheema, deputy inspector of police has told reporters that at least seven people were wounded in the blast. The epicentre of the blast was reportedly the place where the imam stood. Dunya News has reported citing the police that the bomb was hidden inside sacks of potatoes.
"Three of the injured are in critical condition including the prayer leader as the blast occurred near him", Quetta's police chief Abdur Razzaq Cheema stated.
Once again sad news from #Quetta. Blast during the Friday Prayers at Rehmania Mosque, Pashtunabad.
— ' (@MiaanSays) 24 мая 2019 г.
Prayers for the martyrs and victims along with their families. #QuettaBlast pic.twitter.com/L1GSM2A0Qo
The source of the explosion is not immediately clear and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.
WARNING: The following video is graphic and may offend sensibilities
Blast in rehmania mosque at pashtoonabad #Quetta…
— Ghalib Nehad (@ghalib_nehad) 24 мая 2019 г.
1 killed 14 injured… pic.twitter.com/vuTDKUxg2o
According to reports, police and medical personnel have transported the victims to Civil Hospital while the entire area has also been cordoned off for a search operation.
