According to hospital and local administration sources, the explosion occurred shortly before Iftar, when a group of children had gathered at the house to collect curd (lasi) for their family members during the holy month of Ramazan.
The powerful blast completely destroyed one room of the house, causing the roof and walls to collapse, trapping the children under the debris. Rescue teams and local residents immediately launched relief efforts, pulling victims from the rubble and shifting the injured to Civil Hospital Chaman.
Hospital officials confirmed that, in addition to the seven fatalities, four women and two dozen children sustained injuries. Several of the injured are said to be in critical condition and are receiving emergency medical treatment.
The ages of the children ranged from five to 12 years, sources at the district headquarters hospital said.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that a gas leak may have triggered the blast; however, officials stated that a detailed inquiry is underway to establish the facts.
The incident has plunged the local community into mourning, with grieving families and residents calling for stricter safety measures and greater awareness regarding the handling and storage of domestic gas cylinders to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Separately, one police officer was martyred on Thursday when a police armoured vehicle was struck by a powerful explosion on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway near Al-Harameen Hotel in Surab district of Balochistan, police confirmed to The Express Tribune.
Preliminary reports indicated that the explosive device had been planted under the road or a bridge and detonated as the vehicle passed. The blast severely damaged the armoured vehicle and caused partial damage to surrounding structures.
Police and security forces promptly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and launching a comprehensive search operation. A bomb disposal squad collected evidence to determine the exact nature of the attack. Early investigations suggest it was a premeditated attack using an improvised explosive device (IED).
The deceased officer, identified as Khalil Ahmed, a resident of Surab, was killed instantly. Eyewitnesses said the explosion rattled nearby shops and buildings, shattering glass and creating widespread panic.
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Due to security concerns, the Quetta-Karachi National Highway was temporarily closed to all traffic, causing long queues and disruptions. Authorities are arranging alternate routes for stranded commuters and transporters.
Ahmed’s body was transferred to the DHQ Hospital in Surab for a post-mortem examination. His family has been offered condolences, and the provincial government confirmed that benefits designated for the families of martyrs will be provided.
Officials said the attack is the latest in a series targeting security forces in Balochistan, highlighting the province’s ongoing instability. Operations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The Balochistan chief minister and the provincial police inspector general condemned the attack, vowing no leniency in the fight against terrorism. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and working to reopen the highway as soon as possible.