15 dead, over 30 hurt in Pakistan explosion

At least 15 people, including two children, were killed and over 30 injured on Thursday when a massive explosion ripped through a bus stop in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, a media report said.

The deafening explosion spread panic as the wounded screamed for help. Imtiaz Altaf, a police official, said the bomb attack took place at about 11 am when a bomb planted inside a car parking at the bus stop on Kohat road was detonated through a remote control device, reported Xinhua. At least two children were among the dead.

The injured were taken to Lady Reading Hospital where sources said that as many as 10 of the injured were in critical condition.

Fifteen vehicles near the blast site were totally gutted while several dozen others were partially damaged.

The bomb disposal squad said an estimated 40 kg of explosives were used in the attack. The police have arrested two suspects from the site.

Shortly after the blast, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani issued a statement strongly condemning the attack and President Asif Ali Zardari demanded an immediate report over the blast. No group has as yet claimed responsibility for the bomb attack.