Two dead, at least 12 injured in explosion near Quetta's McConaghey Road

QUETTA: Two people were killed and several others injured in a blast near McConaghey Road in Quetta Tuesday.

The nature of the blast and the extent of damage caused is still being ascertained, police have said. Initial findings suggest that explosive material may be involved. 

Nearby shops have been damaged and a motorcycle parked nearby caught fire in the explosion. 

The area has been cordoned off and investigation teams are on the ground.

An emergency has been declared at the hospital. 

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove condemned the blast, saying it had taken near an FC vehicle. He said miscreants were trying to disturb the peaceful environment in the province.

Langove said the injured will be provided best medical treatment.

He directed law enforcement agencies to take stringent security measures so that such incidences do not happen again. 

"It was a bomb blast," said one of the injured persons, speaking to our correspondent. "I was sitting outside when the blast occurred all of a sudden."

Another said he was carrying stuff into his shop located on the road when the explosion occurred. 

"The blast broke all the windows inside our shop, injuring me. Shattered glass lay everywhere. I sealed my shop and went to the hospital for treatment," he said. 

More to follow.