At least seven people lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in two separate explosions that rocked the Merka Bera area of Bannu on Saturday, according to police sources.
First Blast Targets Passenger Van
District Police Officer Yasir Afridi reported that the initial explosion occurred when an improvised explosive device, planted along a roadside, detonated as a passenger van traveling from Hathi Khel village to Bannu passed through the vicinity. The blast claimed the lives of five passengers instantly.
Second Explosion Hits Rescue Personnel
Shortly after the first explosion, a second blast took place at the same location while rescue personnel and local residents had gathered to assist the victims. This subsequent explosion killed two individuals who were engaged in rescue efforts and also damaged a vehicle. Three other people sustained injuries in the second blast.
Transporters have welcomed the recent petrol price cut and are seeking further relief.
Response and Investigation
The bodies and the injured were swiftly shifted to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital for medico-legal formalities and necessary medical treatment, officials confirmed. Police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report of the blasts and expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives. In an official statement, he extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and directed authorities to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.
A further inquiry is underway to determine the nature of the attack and identify the perpetrators. Separately, the body of a missing boy was recovered from Nullah Leh.
