At least one policeman embraced martyrdom and over 15 police officials were injured in a suicide explosion near Baleli Custom on Wednesday morning.
The attacker targeted a police truck.
According to the police, they are yet to determine whether the explosives were planted in the tri-wheeler rickshaw or the bomber inside it was wearing an explosive vest.
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Heavy contingents of the police and paramilitary Rangers rushed to the site and cordoned it off. The bomb disposal squad (BDS) was called in as well.
While speaking to the media, Quetta Police DIG Azfar Mehsar said that the police personnel were en route to their duties of security for polio workers when a rickshaw rammed into the police vehicle which consequently plunged into a ditch.
Subsequently, two including a policeman embraced martyrdom while at least 20 security personnel were injured. The injured toll also includes four civilians.
The casualties were rushed to the Civil Hospital for treatment.
DIG also said that they have recovered a body near the blast site, which according to him, is of the suicide bomber.
He added that around 20 to 25 kilograms of explosives were expected to be used in the blast.
DIG said evidences were being collected from the crime scene while further investigations are underway.
Interior minister takes notice
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has denounced the incident of an explosion at Baleli check post.
In a statement on Wednesday, he said a detailed report has been sought from the Balochistan government regarding the incident. He said the nation is proud of the sacrifices rendered by the police personnel.
PM Shehbaz condemns Baleli attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the explosion and expressed grief and sorrow over the death of a police personnel and a child in the incident as well.
The premier said the polio workers are fulfilling their responsibility without caring about their lives to eliminate this deadly disease from the country. For this, he said we pay tributes to their services.
The prime minister said the militant elements will always fail in their designs to stop the anti-polio campaigns.
He said eliminating the polio virus from the country is among the top priorities of the government. He said the government will not rest until the complete eradication of polio.
He directed an investigation into the incident and provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
