5 dead, a dozen wounded in Quetta bombing

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Five people have been killed and a dozen others wounded in a massive bomb exploded in front of a luxury hotel in Pakistan’s southwestern city of Quetta.

Security official, firefighters and rescue workers rushed to the Serena Hotel. But no one was allowed to enter the blast site. The bombing occurred at around 10:15pm.

Up to 90 kilograms of explosive material was used, said the bomb disposal squad. Ball bearings and C4 explosive material was used in the blast, the squad added.

The explosive device had apparently been placed in a vehicle, senior police officer Azhar Ikram said. A a police official was among the dead, he added.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove told a media briefing: “Our own people are involved in such acts of terrorism.”

Some reports said the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan was the target, but Langove said the diplomat was not present at the hotel at the time of the attack.

Tahir Rai, the provincial police chief, said the explosion occurred in the parking lot of Serena Hotel. The premises was cordoned off.

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