Suicide attack in Peshawar: 30 feared dead

At least 30 people feared dead in a suicide attack at a local bazaar in provincial capital here Saturday.

The incident occurred when an explosive-laden double-cabin vehicle hit a local shopping center and nearby security check post at Kohat Road.

Ten casualties have so far been confirmed, while tens of injured have been brought to Lady Reeding Hospital, where the paramedics feared casualties might be increased as condition of many of the injured was said to be critical.

The security officials have declared the nature of the blast as suicidal after preliminary investigation.

Broken limbs were scattered at the scene after the blast, while many of the vehicles parked at the spot were also totaled. The blast was as powerful as the shops and the check post were gutted completely.

Hundreds of local people were busy in shopping at the market when the vehicle hit it, said eyewitnesses, adding that the security personnel at the check post signaled the vehicle coming from Dara Adam Khel to stop but it hit the market without stopping at the post.

The law enforcement agencies and the rescue teams arrived at the blast site and put a security cordon around the site.