Train blast in Quetta kills at least 16, derails passenger coaches

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured when a bomb targeted a passenger shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta, Balochistan, on Sunday.

The state-run Associated Press of Pakistan confirmed the attack. Passengers on board were travelling to their hometowns to celebrate the Eid holidays, according to the report.

What happened in the Quetta train blast?

A bomb struck the shuttle train from Quetta Cantonment as it passed through the Chaman Phatak area. The blast derailed the locomotive and three passenger coaches, overturning two of them.

Security sources said women, children and elderly passengers were among those on board at the time of the attack.

Where were the victims taken after the blast?

The dead and injured were transferred to Civil Hospital in Quetta for treatment. Vehicles parked near the railway track and nearby buildings were also damaged in the explosion.

Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.

How did Pakistan's prime minister respond to the Quetta attack?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing in a post on X, calling it a "heinous bomb explosion" that caused the loss of innocent lives.

"Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan," Sharif said. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and said the nation stood in solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

What did Pakistan's railways minister say about the blast?

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi also condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of terrorism."

He said those responsible would be brought to justice and confirmed that Pakistan Railways operations would continue without interruption.

Abbasi directed authorities to submit an immediate report on the explosion.

Who does Pakistan blame for the Quetta train bombing?

Security sources described the attack as carried out by what they called the Indian-backed proxy group "Fitna al-Hindustan."

Pakistani officials alleged that anti-state elements operating from India and Afghanistan were targeting civilian infrastructure to destabilise the country.

Abbasi said militant networks operating from those countries would not succeed in their "nefarious designs."

What did officials say about the pattern of attacks?

Security officials said groups unable to directly confront Pakistan's security forces were increasingly targeting soft civilian locations to spread fear and instability.

Authorities described the targeting of passenger trains and unarmed civilians as contrary to Baloch traditions and values. Officials also said Pakistan's recent diplomatic and strategic gains had frustrated hostile regional actors, prompting attacks on civilians and public infrastructure.

What rescue operations followed the blast?

Security forces launched rescue operations immediately after the explosion. Rescue trucks and a relief train were dispatched to support emergency efforts at the scene.

The area remained cordoned off as authorities continued their investigation into the Quetta train blast.