Seven people have reportedly been killed and at least 22 others injured in a powerful explosion that rocked Civil Hospital Chowk near a girls’ school in Mustang on Friday morning.

The victims included a policeman, five schoolchildren and a passer-by. Police claim that many of the injured were also schoolchildren. The deceased children were aged between five and 10 years old.

The blast occurred near a police mobile and a rickshaw, both of which were severely damaged in the explosion. Initial reports indicate that several people, including children, were hurt in the incident, while police and rescue teams worked to control the situation.

Police claimed that explosive material was fixed to a motorcycle that was detonated by a remote-controlled device.

Police officials confirmed that the explosion destroyed a police vehicle as well as nearby rickshaws. All the 22 people injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital, however, 13 of them were shifted to Quetta due to their serious condition.

Moreover, nine of the injured were shifted to the trauma centre in Quetta, where hospital officials said the condition of three was critical.

Besides, the Civil Hospital Quetta, emergency was also imposed at the BMC and trauma centre.

Witnesses reported that the lack of staff and resources at Civil Hospital caused further difficulties, as many of the injured awaited treatment in distress. Medical teams are struggling to provide timely care due to a lack of resources.

The Balochistan chief minister expressed heartfelt sympathy with the heirs of the martyred policeman and the children. He said terrorists could not be allowed any leverage in any way. “After labourers, innocent children are being targeted. The blood of these innocent children and people will not go to waste,” he insisted.