Quetta Train Blast Kills 14 as Rescue Operation Continues

At least 14 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday after a powerful explosion struck a shuttle train in Quetta, according to the Balochistan government. The blast hit near Chaman Phatak while the train was travelling from Quetta Cantonment toward the railway station, turning a routine morning journey into a major emergency.

Authorities said the explosion derailed three coaches, including the locomotive, while two compartments overturned due to the impact. Rescue teams, police, Counter-Terrorism Department personnel and bomb disposal officials reached the site soon after the incident to secure the area and begin evidence collection.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the number of those killed had risen to 14, including three Frontier Corps personnel. Women and children were also among the injured, and the wounded were moved to hospitals as emergency services continued their response.

A medical emergency was declared in Quetta hospitals, with doctors, paramedics and other medical staff called in to treat victims. Officials said the area had been cordoned off by security forces, while rescue trucks and a relief train were dispatched to support the operation and remove damaged coaches from the track.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He said Pakistan would not be intimidated by such acts of terrorism and reaffirmed the state’s resolve to eliminate militancy, while offering condolences to the families of victims and prayers for the injured.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack and said those responsible would be pursued along with their facilitators and planners. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi directed officials to submit an immediate report and said railway operations would continue despite the attempt to create fear and disruption.

The blast caused visible destruction around the railway line, with damaged carriages, smoke, fire and burnt vehicles reported near the site. Officials said the explosion was heard in parts of the city and nearby houses were also affected, showing the intensity of the attack and the risk it posed to civilians in the area.

Balochistan has witnessed repeated attacks on security personnel, public infrastructure and transport networks in recent years. Railway routes are especially sensitive because they connect remote communities, support trade and provide affordable mobility for thousands of passengers across the province.

The latest attack will likely increase pressure on federal and provincial authorities to strengthen railway security, improve intelligence coordination and enhance emergency preparedness around transport corridors. Investigators are expected to determine the type of explosive used, identify the network behind the bombing and track those who helped execute the attack.