Peshawar, Jun 20: At least seven people were killed and three others injured on Saturday in twin roadside blasts in the Bannu district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police said the explosions took place in the Marka Bera area when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a roadside detonated, hitting a passenger van and killing five people on the spot.
Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi said a second explosion occurred shortly after at the same location when rescue teams and locals reached the site, killing two more people and damaging another vehicle.
The injured and bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital, while security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, officials said. The passenger van was reportedly travelling from Hathi Khel village to Bannu city when it was targeted.
Authorities said evidence is being collected from the blast site as part of the ongoing probe.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the incident, termed it “highly tragic,” and ordered a detailed report and comprehensive investigation. He also directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blasts. (Agencies)
