Global General

11 killed in blast in Pakistan's Karachi

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-05 19:26

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 people were killed and dozens of others were injured when a powerful explosion hit a mini bus in south Pakistan's Karachi city Friday, local TV channel reported.

The mini bus was bringing mourners from Malir area to main Muharram procession being underway at M.A. Jinnah road. A motorcycle, apparently-laden with explosives, rammed into the bus with a loud bang, when it reached Shahrah e Faisal area of Karachi, the biggest city in the country, local police officer Waseem Ahmed told media.

According to GEO news, eyewitnesses said that a motorcyclist hit the ill-fated vehicle to cause the tragedy.

Dr. Semi Jamali, in charge of emergency ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, told reporters that at least 11 dead bodies and near 40 wounded have so far been brought to the medical facility.

It was earlier reported that at least 50 people were injured in the blast and 20 of them have been shifted to Jinnah Hospital. Various injured are in critical state. All the casualties have been moved from the blast scene.

Police and other rescue workers have arrived on the spot. The road leading to the blast site has been blocked and the area has been cordoned off.

Emergency has been declared at nearby Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center where at least 12 wounded have so far been rushed by the emergency relief staffers.