DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The blast at the Aman Mela check post in Drazinda tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has left at least 11 people dead and more than 30 others injured, according to police and security sources.
The victims reportedly include six police personnel, two Customs officials, two women and a two-year-old child.
The incident has raised fresh security concerns in the province, coming days after a deadly attack in Kohat. Authorities have launched rescue, security and search operations at the site.
11 People Reportedly Killed in Drazinda Blast
The explosion at the Aman Mela check post claimed the lives of 11 people.
In this regard, the six police officials and two Customs personnel were among those reported killed, while two women and a two-year-old child were also among the victims.
More than 30 people, including security personnel and civilians, were reportedly injured in the explosion. Some of the injured are said to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.
The rescue officials said the bodies of all 11 victims had been recovered from the scene and that the injured were being shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.
Joint Check Post Targeted
The Aman Mela check post functions as a joint security point where personnel from different government departments, including Wildlife, Excise and security agencies, are deployed.
The blast caused casualties among both officials and civilians present at or near the check post. Police and other security personnel moved quickly to secure the area following the explosion.
The exact nature and circumstances of the blast were still being investigated, according to the information provided by authorities.
Police said heavy contingents were dispatched to the location after receiving information about the explosion. A Bomb Disposal Squad was also sent to the site to examine the area and determine the nature of the blast.
Rescue 1122 teams also continued emergency operations at the scene. According to rescue officials, six ambulances, one fire vehicle and more than 25 rescue personnel were involved in the response.
Second Major Terror Incident in KP in Seven Days
The Drazinda incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It follows the deadly attack at the Old Police Lines in Kohat on September 18.
Police and other officials said the Kohat attack ultimately killed 23 people, including 17 police personnel and six civilians, while more than 100 people were injured.
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The Kohat assault involved an explosives-laden vehicle and subsequent attacks inside the police compound, followed by a prolonged security operation.
