| |
|
 |
PC hotel blast's death toll mounts to 12, injured 60 |
| |
Updated at:
0400
PST, Wednesday, June 10, 2009 |
| |
PESHAWAR: At least 12 persons including three foreigners were killed while over 60 others sustained injuries when militants blew up their explosives-laden vehicle after storming into the compound of a five-star hotel situated on the Khyber Road here Tuesday night, police and witnesses said.
The witnesses said that the attackers first opened fire at the security personnel guarding the main entrance of the Pearl Continental Hotel to clear their vehicle’s entry into the building.
They took the vehicle to the parking lot of the hotel close to the mosque and blew it up killing 13 people including three foreigners and wounding 75 others, several of them foreigners.
A portion of the hotel was razed to the ground while around 50 vehicles in the parking lot were damaged.
The number of casualties could rise as some of the persons were reportedly trapped inside the debris, the eyewitnesses said.
An eye-witness said that first he heard firing and then there was a loud bang, which left the area engulfed in thick smoke. He said that the blast also suspended electricity to the area. The five-star hotel is located in a high security zone, as building of Radio Station Peshawar, NWFP Assembly, High Court, Corps Commander House, Supreme Court and Met Office were also located there.
It is believed that the blast was on the footprints of Marriot Hotel in Islamabad. The PC blast went off around 10:30pm, destroyed around 50 vehicles parked in the hotel parking lot, besides badly damaging the hotel building.
Soon after the blast, law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and closed the Khyber Road for every kind of traffic as well. The terrorists managed to get their vehicle into the building despite strict security at the gate of the hotel. The hotel was evacuated following the blast. Emergency was declared in Peshawar hospitals and around 75 injured were brought to the hospitals till filing of this report. The police have arrested several suspected people after the blast.
A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) official said that at least 500 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack, saying probably a vehicle was used for the attack. Meanwhile, the United Nations has said that at least 16 foreigners were also staying at the hotel.
NWFP Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain confirmed 11 deaths and over 50 injured persons. He said that three foreigners were also injured in the blast.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast.
They ordered the authorities to launch an immediate inquiry into the incident, so that the culprits of this terrorist incident could be brought to justice. Both the leaders also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Agencies adds: NWFP Minister for Zakat Rashid Khan and ANP Senator Nabi Bangash were also injured in the attack, according to private TV channels.
The blast hit the Pearl Continental Hotel in the high-security Khyber Road area. Fire erupted at the ground floor of the building after the blast and was extinguished by the firefighters after hectic efforts. Chaos enveloped the hotel popular with dignitaries, officials and foreign visitors. |
| |
|
|
| |
More Updates |
|
EU critises Iran enrichment move, backs UN action |
Updated at:
2330
PST |
|
Avalanche kills 8 soldiers in Siachen glacier |
Updated at:
2310
PST |
|
At least 23 killed after vehicle overturns in India |
Updated at:
2255
PST |
|
Shiv Sena attacks cinemas screening 'My Name Is Khan' |
Updated at:
2235
PST |
|
PEMRA directs FM network to air Kaira program |
Updated at:
2210
PST |
|
Rashid defied schedule given to administration: Shahbaz |
Updated at:
2130
PST |
|
Sri Lanka president sacks parliament: spokesman |
Updated at:
2100
PST |
|
Attack on Rashid plot against democracy: Taseer |
Updated at:
2055
PST |
|
Defence ministry asked to explain in missing persons’ case |
Updated at:
2045
PST |
|
NICs not being issued to Pakhtuns in Punjab, Sindh: Adeel |
Updated at:
2030
PST |
|
Judiciary working independently: PM |
Updated at:
2005
PST |
|
Intikhab submits report to PCB on Australia tour |
Updated at:
1945
PST |
|
Incessant rains, landslides devastate Muzaffarabad |
Updated at:
1935
PST |
|
Australia crush West Indies by 8 wkts in 2nd ODI |
Updated at:
1930
PST |
|
CCUSA notice to be replied after legal consultations: Bari |
Updated at:
1915
PST |
|
Adnan Sami admits third marriage |
Updated at:
1910
PST |
|
Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel |
Updated at:
1905
PST |
|
I was aware of training accords with US: Sherpao |
Updated at:
1855
PST |
|
ISO stages sit-in at PIDC House |
Updated at:
1835
PST |
|
LHC dismisses petition for kite-flying |
Updated at:
1825
PST |
|
Punjab govt was responsible for Rashid security: Malik |
Updated at:
1800
PST |
|
Up to Rs50, 000 being demanded for delivery of vehicles |
Updated at:
1735
PST |
|
Good governance sans delivery of justice not possible: CJ |
Updated at:
1700
PST |
|
Provinces to get water as per needs: Irsa |
Updated at:
1635
PST |
|
India suffer innings defeat from Proteas |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Bali bombing mastermind still alive in Philippines |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Malik sees foreign hands in Karachi massacre |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Malik for in-camera briefing on Black Water, DynCorp |
Updated at:
1545
PST |
|
South Africa in sight of win against India |
Updated at:
1535
PST |
|
Warne slams Strauss for not touring Bangladesh |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
Death toll rises to 28 in Afghan avalanche |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
NATO remains 'serious' threat to Russia |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
Pepco urged to speed up recovery |
Updated at:
1520
PST |
|
Jackson doctor out on bail |
Updated at:
1500
PST |
|
Indian GDP estimated to grow by 7.2 % |
Updated at:
1425
PST |
|
Oil prices drop in Asian trade |
Updated at:
1410
PST |
|
India 233 & 223-6 in first test at tea |
Updated at:
1355
PST |
|
Afghan avalanche kills 15, strands 100s |
Updated at:
1350
PST |
|
Oil rises above $72 on weak dlr, Greek rescue talk |
Updated at:
1310
PST |
|
Israeli minister calls for tough Iran sanctions |
Updated at:
1310
PST |
|
US Marines gear up for major Afghan assault |
Updated at:
1240
PST |
|
Nine dead in rain-related mishaps in NWFP |
Updated at:
1240
PST |
|
Petition filed in SC against delay in judges appointments |
Updated at:
1230
PST |
|
LHC calls govt to account for Qadeer restrictions |
Updated at:
1225
PST |
|
Gold slightly lower as oil falls |
Updated at:
1220
PST |
|
Conflicting reports on Mehsud death |
Updated at:
1210
PST |
|
Oil unable to sustain above $72 |
Updated at:
1200
PST |
|
US cricket council sends notice to Butt |
Updated at:
1200
PST |
|
Hakeemullah dead: Taliban source |
Updated at:
1140
PST |
|
12 feared dead after ship sinks in China |
Updated at:
1135
PST |
|
Rain-spawned house cave-in kills family in Khanpur |
Updated at:
1135
PST |
|
Angelina Jolie visits Haitian quake refugees |
Updated at:
1120
PST |
|
Iran starts higher enrichment under IAEA supervision |
Updated at:
1115
PST |
|
Venezuela declares emergency amid energy crisis |
Updated at:
1100
PST |
|
US court sentences Chinese spy |
Updated at:
1045
PST |
|
Sheikh Rashid attack: heirs of killed persons deny autopsy |
Updated at:
1045
PST |
|
Korea should be nuclear-free, Kim tells China envoy |
Updated at:
1025
PST |
|
Zilzal dike breaches; evacuation underway |
Updated at:
1010
PST |
|
Australia changes its immigration laws |
Updated at:
0950
PST |
|
23 dead as vehicle overturns in India |
Updated at:
0935
PST |
|
Ex-army chief to face Sri Lanka court martial |
Updated at:
0915
PST |
|
Four die in roof collapse in Haripur |
Updated at:
0900
PST |
|
6 dead at fire at Spanish retirement home |
Updated at:
0855
PST |
|
Australia to introduce body scanners after failed US attack |
Updated at:
0855
PST |
|
Two killed, two injured in Thai south attacks |
Updated at:
0840
PST |
|
Euro inches up in Asian trade |
Updated at:
0840
PST |
|
Road mishap leaves 12 hurt in Karachi |
Updated at:
0830
PST |
|
Magnitude 5.7 quake rattles southern Mexico |
Updated at:
0830
PST |
|
Global warming an Olympic worry, says Rogge |
Updated at:
0825
PST |
|
Lahore continues to receive rain on Monday |
Updated at:
0820
PST |
|
World's tallest tower closed a month after opening |
Updated at:
0810
PST |
|
Two police die in motorway accident |
Updated at:
0800
PST |
|
Haiti aid effort hit by fake coupon scam |
Updated at:
0730
PST |
|
Iran tests stealth drone: report |
Updated at:
0700
PST |
|
Provinces’ differences soar over water distribution |
Updated at:
0630
PST |
|
Jackson doctor charged with manslaughter |
Updated at:
0600
PST |
|
Jackson doctor denies manslaughter charge |
Updated at:
0530
PST |
|
British PM stands firm as Afghan toll matches Falklands |
Updated at:
0500
PST |
|
Australian sword swallower sets Guinness world record |
Updated at:
0430
PST |
|
Police record statement of Sheikh Rasheed |
Updated at:
0400
PST |
|
PM Gilani rings Nawaz, Asfandyar |
Updated at:
0330
PST |
|
US, France join hands for new sanctions against Iran |
Updated at:
0300
PST |
|
Attack was plot of murder; Allah helped me: Sheikh |
Updated at:
0220
PST |
|
Speedy dispensation of justice tops govt. agenda: Zardari |
Updated at:
0200
PST |
|
FIR of attack on Sheikh Rasheed lodged |
Updated at:
0130
PST |
|
Iran can produce enough fuel for research reactor: experts |
Updated at:
0100
PST |
|
Qaeda offshoot urges more attacks on US targets |
Updated at:
30
PST |
ISSN 1563-9479 
