Bomb blast kills 25 in Landikotal market
17 June, 2012
LANDIKOTAL: A car bomb ripped through parking area of Bazaar Zakhakhel in Landikotal on Saturday, killing 25 people and injuring more than 65, officials said.
"The death toll is 25," from the blast in the main bazaar of Landikotal, local administration chief Mutahir Zeb told AFP. Zeb said there were 18 bodies at the Landikotal hospital while seven victims died while being taken for treatment in Peshawar. The dead included three children aged nine, 10 and 12, he added.
"More than 20 wounded victims were rushed to Peshawar in critical condition," a doctor told Daily Times, adding that the death toll might rise. Body parts were seen scattered all around. The explosion also destroyed 12 shops and many vehicles.
Jamaat-e-Islami Landikotal leader Abdur Rauf Shinwari lost his younger brother Qari Abdur Rahim Shinwari in the blast. Some Khasadar Force personnel were injured in the explosion.
Motor mechanic Sajidullah Khan, who was wounded in the leg, forearms and face, told AFP, "I was checking a car when I heard a huge blast nearby. I knew nothing afterwards and came to the hospital." Shakoor Jan, an electrician, said he was sitting in his shop when the blast rocked the whole area. "There was fire in several shops," he said. No group had claimed responsibility for the blast until filing of this report. Arshad Khan, a local administration official, said the blast appeared to be aimed at members of the pro-government Zakhakhel tribe, who oppose a local warlord, Mangal Bagh who leads Lashkar-e-Islam.
"The bomb was planted in a pick-up truck parked near the bus stand," Khan said.
Khasadar Force personnel rushed to the site of blast and started rescue operation. Firefighters also reached the scene and took part in rescue operation. Landikotal Assistant Political Agenct Khalid Kundi, Tehsildar Arshad Khan and Khyber Rifles Commandant Fayaz visited hospital and inquired after the wounded people.
End.
|
