At least 23 killed in suspected suicide bomb attack near railway tracks in Pakistan’s Quetta

A massive explosion rocked Quetta on Saturday after a powerful blast targeted a train near railway tracks in the Chaman Phatak area, close to the Frontier Corps headquarters. At least 23 people were killed and more than 53 others sustained serious injuries in the attack, as per reports.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion appeared to be a suicide bomb attack. Moments after the blast, sounds of heavy firing were also reportedly heard in the area, triggering panic among residents.

The explosion was so intense that parts of a train coach were reportedly blown apart and several bogies derailed. A major fire broke out in the affected compartment, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Multiple vehicles parked near the railway tracks also caught fire, causing extensive damage.

Republic of #Balochistan, Train again targeted in #Quetta, by suspected suicide attack.

Multiple ambulances have rushed to the site. pic.twitter.com/PMf7xqRLVU

— Mahalaxmi Ramanathan (@MahalaxmiRaman) May 24, 2026

As per reports, the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for what it described as a 'fidayeen' or suicide attack targetting Pakistani military personnel.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in Balochistan, where Baloch groups have recently intensified pressure on the government led by Shehbaz Sharif.

Soon after the blast, security forces and rescue teams rushed to the scene and cordoned off the entire area. The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital in Quetta, while rescue and relief operations continued on a war footing. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as several victims remain critically injured.