AMN /
At least nine people were killed and 35 others injured, some of them critically in a bomb blast in Lahore’s Defence area today. Spokesman for the provincial Punjab police, Nayab Haider, said the explosion was caused by a timed device which contained 8 to 10 kilogrammes of explosives. Lahore’s Mayor Captain (Retired) Mubashir Javed Malik, said the explosion occurred in an under-construction building.
According to Pakistani media, the area where the blast occurred is a busy locality with several commercial offices and eateries.
TV footage showed windows of several offices and eateries in the commercial area shattered by shockwaves and shrapnel.
Footage also showed rubble from the damaged building strewn across the road. Windscreens of cars parked over 100 feet away from the building were shattered and there was considerable damage to the cars’ bodies.
Residents and nearby shoppers panicked when the explosion was heard, and eyewitnesses described people evacuating buildings and running from the scene of the incident.
Broken crockery and furniture was strewn on the road in the area and the road appeared to be carpeted by shattered glass.
Photo: TV footage