Daily Times

MULTAN: At least 10 people were killed and 50 others injured in an explosion at Vehari Chowk on Sunday night.

According to the media reports, the explosion was intense enough to crack windows of nearby buildings. Soon after the incident rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured persons to nearby Nishtar Hospital for medical treatment. The district coordination officer (DCO) has attributed the explosion to a bomb. While talking to newsmen, Nishtar Hospital management said condition of some of the injured persons is critical because of explosion’s intensity.

Meanwhile, Bomb Disposal Squad has collected evidence from the blast site. The eyewitnesses said that the explosion took place right after an individual entered in a rickshaw. The Multan Central Police Officer (CPO) said investigation into the incident is underway to determine the nature of the explosion, whereas the DCO has called it a bomb blast. According to DCO Zahid Saleem Gondal and CPO Azhar Akraam, six persons were killed in the incident. They said that a motorcyclist carrying explosives collided with a rickshaw, which resulted in the blast.

The DCO, however, added that a forensic expert would give further information. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Abdul Jabbar said the blast left six persons dead. A motorcycle, a car and six rickshaws were damaged. Police cordoned off the area after the blast, which was heard in far-off areas of the city, while the consequent fire engulfed a number of vehicles. A heavy contingent of police was deployed at the site.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the blast and expressed his deep condolences over the loss of lives. In a statement, he prayed eternal peace for the departed souls and commiserated with the bereaved families. He also directed the authorities concerned to provide special medical care to the injured. Also, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of lives. He expressed sympathies and condolences with the bereaved families and directed the administration to provide best treatment facilities to the injured. He has also sought a report from police and administration and ordered an investigation into the incident.

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the blast and expressed sympathies with all those families who lost their loved ones in it. Bilawal prayed for the early recovery of all those injured in the incident.