At least 11 labourers were killed and four others were injured when a bomb planted on the road exploded in the Shahrag area of Harnai.   Initially, nine labourers were reportedly killed and six injured in the deadly blast took place near a vehicle carrying coal miners. Later, two of the injured miners succumbed to their wounds. Harnai Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar confirmed the casualties.    

The local levies said that the explosives, potentially an Improvised Explosive Device, were planted on the road.  The security officials cordoned off the area after shifting the bodies and the injured to medical facilities. The condition of some of the injured labourers is reportedly critical. Arrangements are being made to shift the injured to Quetta. 

It may be noted that multiple bomb blasts have been reported lately in the Shahrag area, which is home to coal mines. However, the loss incurred in the latest is reportedly quite bigger than the previous explosions. The mines department officials said that most of the miners affected in the incident belonged to Swat and Shangla. Balochistan government spokesperson expressed grief over the tragic incident.

He said that investigations had been ordered into the blast.According to Harnai Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar, those in the pickup truck worked in coal mines. The explosion occurred in Coal Mines Area PMDC 94 in the Shahrag district. The bodies of the deceased and the injured were being shifted to the Shahrag Basic Health Unit, Kakar said. 

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)