An explosion on the Jaffar Express train bound for Quetta in Pakistan killed seven passengers and injured at least 17 others.
The explosion was caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) placed on the track, likely by militants in the area.
The train carried hundreds of passengers returning to the Balochistan province after the Eid holidays. The blast occurred in Natol area in the Naseerabad district within Balochistan.
"When the train reached Notal, there were huge explosions," Asad Gilani, the Home Secretary Balochistan, told Dawn.com.
The blast derailed four train cars and inflicted major damage to the tracks. This led to the suspension of railway traffic between Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.
Death casualties included two women and three brothers. Six of the injured are also in critical states.
Two trains were sent from nearby cities Sukkur and Sibi for relief work, and casualties were taken to Dera Murad Jamali for medical care.
Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Malik Baloch called the explosion a terrorist act. Officials believe Baloch Republican Army rebels planted the bomb on the tracks.
The impoverished Balochistan area has been the target of violence for more than a decade. Rebels have been targeting national gas and power infrastructure, as well as security forces within the province.
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