Two more miners succumb to injuries, taking death toll in Harnai blast to 11

QUETTA: At least 11 labourers were killed and six others were injured when a bomb planted on the road exploded in the Shahrag area of Harnai, an official told Geo News on Friday. 

Initially, nine labourers were reportedly killed and six injured in the deadly blast took place near a vehicle carrying coal miners. Later, two of the injured miners succumbed to their wounds. Harnai Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar confirmed the casualties. 

The local levies said that the explosives, potentially an Improvised Explosive Device, were planted on the road.

The security officials cordoned off the area after shifting the bodies and the injured to medical facilities. The condition of some of the injured labourers is reportedly critical. Arrangements are being made to shift the injured to Quetta.

It may be noted that multiple bomb blasts have been reported lately in the Shahrag area, which is home to coal mines. However, the loss incurred in the latest is reportedly quite bigger than the previous explosions.

The mines department officials said that most of the miners affected in the incident belonged to Swat and Shangla.

Balochistan government spokesperson expressed grief over the tragic incident. He said that investigations had been ordered into the blast. 

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast in Shahrag, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In separate statements, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those died in the terrorist incident.

They also vowed to continue efforts till the elimination of terrorism from the country.

PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical support to the injured. He also prayed for their early recovery. The prime minister said the individuals who harm the lives and property of innocent and defenceless citizens will have to pay a very heavy price.