At least 30 people were killed and several others injured in a twin blast and firing in the southwestern city of Quetta in Pakistan Saturday, according to news reports. Among those killed included 14 students of the Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University after an explosion destroyed the university bus they were traveling in. At least twenty, others are believed to have been seriously injured with burns in the bus explosion. Quetta is the capital city of the volatile Baluchistan province.
Among others killed in incidents linked to the blast included the deputy commissioner of Quetta, four Frontier Corps personnel, and four nurses. Two unknown civilians are also believed to have been killed in the explosions.
Authorities say the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device, which exploded just after the students boarded the university bus to return home.
Local media also reported firing and suicide attack at the Bolan Medical Complex, almost an hour after the bus explosion. There were three explosions at the medical facility. At least, three security personnel and four militants were killed in the ensuing gun battle which lasted for almost five hours. Reports suggest five militants had taken positions on the premises, trying to prevent security officers from storming the facility. Police have apprehended at least one militant involved in the attack.
Among the security personnel killed was Quetta Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mansoor Khan with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. In fact, majority of those injured in the bus blast were being treated at the Bolan Medical Complex when the additional explosions took place. Khan was visiting the medical complex to enquire about the condition of those injured in the blast when he was attacked.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have condemned the incidents. It is the first major militant attack in Pakistan since Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as prime minister on June 5.
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