Karachi: At least 24 people have been killed and dozens injured after a powerful explosion struck a shuttle train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday, officials said.

The blast occurred near Chaman Phatak in Quetta, the provincial capital, as the train was travelling from Quetta Cantonment to the city railway station. Authorities said the explosion was extremely powerful, severely damaging multiple coaches.

A senior police official confirmed a death toll of 24, warning that the number could rise as rescue operations continue. Doctors at two major hospitals in Quetta said around 20 bodies had been received, while more than 50 injured people, including women and children, are undergoing treatment.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that the train was carrying military personnel. However, officials said civilian passengers were also on board.

The Balochistan provincial government confirmed that casualties had risen from earlier figures, with spokesperson Shahid Rind saying a fresh briefing would be issued as the situation develops.

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the explosion hit the engine and three coaches of the shuttle train. Eyewitness accounts suggested that an explosives-laden vehicle may have rammed into the train before the blast.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and vowed that Pakistan would continue its fight against militancy.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, while emergency teams continue rescue and recovery efforts.