At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured after a powerful blast targeted a train in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Sunday, triggering panic, massive fires and a large-scale rescue operation in Quetta.
The explosion occurred near the Chaman Phatak area in Quetta as a passenger train carrying military personnel, civilians and family members was passing through the railway track. Officials said the blast caused multiple train coaches to derail and catch fire, with thick black smoke seen rising from the wreckage.
According to a local press release: "The act comes after BLA terrorists suffered heavy losses and relentless setbacks at the hands of Pakistan's Security Forces across Balochistan."
According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out using an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the railway track. The separatist militant outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the bombing, describing it as a "fidayeen" attack targeting security personnel.
Disturbing visuals circulating online showed overturned train bogies engulfed in flames, emergency sirens blaring and rescue workers pulling injured passengers from the debris. Several nearby vehicles and buildings were also reportedly damaged in the blast.
Emergency services, firefighters, paramilitary personnel and rescue teams rushed to the spot soon after the explosion. Authorities declared a medical emergency in Quetta hospitals as dozens of injured victims, many in critical condition, were shifted for treatment.
#BREAKING: Explosions rock Balochistan. Major blast in Quetta Balochistan. 30 killed, 82 injured in Quetta Blasts as per intial reports. Blast near a Railway track. Several vehicles and buildings destroyed. Blast at Chaman Phatak. Suicide explosion likely. pic.twitter.com/taeujUMpjh
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 24, 2026
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a "tragic loss of innocent lives" and vowed strict action against those responsible.
The latest attack once again highlights the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, where separatist insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted trains, railway stations and security forces in recent years. The Jaffar Express and railway infrastructure in the province have faced multiple attacks, including the deadly 2025 train hijacking and the 2024 Quetta railway station suicide bombing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the blast while security forces continue search and clearance operations in the area.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting railway infrastructure in Balochistan, a region that has witnessed repeated insurgent violence over the years.
Separatist groups operating in the province have frequently targeted trains, railway tracks and security infrastructure, including past attacks involving passenger services such as the Jaffar Express.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the latest blast, the nature of the attack has intensified suspicions of insurgent involvement.
