Quetta bomb blast leaves 16 dead, 30 injured

QUETTA: At least 16 people were killed and 30 others wounded in  an explosion at vegetable market in the Hazar Gunji area  of Quetta on Friday morning.

The most of the victims were vegetable vendors, who were shifted to Bolan Medical Complex  and Civil Hospital, while the site of the blast was cordoned off by the security forces.

According to the Medical Superintendent (MS) 11 bodies were brought to  the Civil Hospital, while three  victims were shifted to  BMC hospital.

Earlier taking to media, Quetta Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Abdul Razzaq Cheema had confirmed that  explosion left 16  people  dead and 30 injured.

Out of 16 dead, eight belonged to Hazara community, he said.

The blast occurred at around   7:35am and has said to be caused by  improvised explosive device (IED) that had been hidden among the vegetables in the market, the DIG added. 

Meanwhile, four FC personnel are also among the injured. The injured are being provided treatment at the Bolan Medical  Complex.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the blast at the Hazargunji and summoned a report on it. 

PM Imran condoled the lives lost and directed the authorities to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.