Thaindian News

Islamabad, March 8 (IANS) At least 13 people were killed and over 50 injured Tuesday when a vehicle packed with explosives blew up after it was shot at by security personnel guarding an intelligence office in Pakistan’s Faisalabad city, an official said.

Naseem Sadiq, a senior government official in Punjab province, said the vehicle tried to enter the intelligence office building in the Civil Lines area, but the guards at the gate shot at it, causing a huge blast, according to Geo News.

The deafening blast occurred at about 10.15 a.m., causing panic in the area. Faisalabad, about 250 km south of Islamabad, is a hub of Pakistan’s textile industry.

The massive explosion led to another blast at a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station.

At least 10 cars were destroyed in the two blasts and nearby buildings were damaged, including that of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) office, Xinhua reported citing TV channel ARY.

Television footage showed piles of bricks and chunks of twisted metal from cars strewn across the area.

Witnesses said at least 15 people were buried under the debris of three destroyed houses, and rescue workers were trying to extricate them.

Police said an injured terrorist involved in the blast has been arrested and shifted to a hospital.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the incident.