At least 11 coal miners were killed and six others injured in a powerful bomb explosion near their vehicle in Harnai district of Balochistan on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Harnai Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar confirmed the incident, saying the dead and injured were being shifted to a hospital. The workers were heading to the coalmines when they were targeted, he added.
The powerful explosion near the vehicle carrying the colliers in Shahrag area of Harnai claimed the lives of 11 colliers and left several others injured. Most of the victims belonged to Swat and Shangla.
According to police, the bomb blast occurred near a vehicle transporting coal miners, resulting in multiple casualties. Several injured workers are reported to be in critical condition.
Law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, collected evidence and launched an investigation.
Authorities were yet to determine the exact nature of the blast, while families of the deceased miners demanded a thorough investigation and improved safety measures for workers in the region.
President, PM, minister condemn blast
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday strongly condemned the deadly bomb blast which occurred in Shahrang area near Harnai killing 11 miners and injuring six others, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In their separate messages, the President, Prime Minister and the Interior Minister directed all relevant authorities to provide all necessary facilities and assistance to the people who were injured in this bomb blast.
They also prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and fast recovery of injured persons.
They said that the terrorist who carried out this deadly blast will not be spared and an exemplary punishment will be awarded to them.
They said that personnel of our brave law-enforcement agencies sacrificing their lives on daily basis to root-out menace eliminate terrorism from our country.
They vowed that entire nation and our law-enforcement agencies fully determined to thwart any attempt to destabilize Pakistan with full force.
Reporters Essa Tareen and Awais Kiyani