Peshawar, A suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden autorickshaw in a busy market in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least nine people, including two security officials, and wounding 33 others, police said.
The incident occurred in the Serai Naurang tehsil of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district.
A District Police official said the suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden three-wheeler at the Phattak Chowk in Naurang Bazar.
Hameedullah Khan, Lakki Marwat’s Deputy Commissioner, said nine people died and 33 others injured in the blast. He said that, as per initial reports, terrorists had planted explosives in the autorickshaw.
Two traffic police personnel and a woman were among the deceased, officials said, adding that the injured were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Sarai Naurang for treatment.
Several people who were said to be in critical condition were referred to hospitals in Bannu and Peshawar for further medical care.
An emergency was declared at the local hospitals.
Ambulances and teams were dispatched to the site for relief work, said Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shahdab Khan.
Videos circulating on social media showed several shops and three-wheelers damaged in the blast.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi directed the Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed report on the incident.
“We stand with the bereaved families in this difficult time, and the provincial government will extend all possible support to them,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the killing of people in the explosion.
In a statement, he said the terrorists will not be allowed to obstruct the peace and development of the country. He said all relevant departments and the government are working with unwavering determination to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Shehbaz directed that a swift inquiry be conducted to identify those responsible and bring the culprits to justice.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
