The nearby houses and shops were also damaged. PHOTO: EXPRESS

QUETTA: At least 28 people were killed and 65 injured in an explosion that took place in Hazara Town, Quetta on Sunday, Express News reported.



Initial reports suggest the explosion which took place outside the Abu Talib imambargah was caused by a suicide bomb attack.



"It's a congested area. There are also a few shops around," said Express News correspondent Tariq Mehmood about the site of the explosion.



Rescue teams reached the site of the explosion immediately.



"Two blasts were reported. One was relatively stronger than the other," said Express News correspondent Arif Mehmood.



"The nearby houses and shops were damaged," said Arif.



The injured were taken to the CMH hospital while the dead bodies were shifted to the Civil Hospital.



Soon after the attack, people started aerial firing.



The casualities of the blast were high since the attack occurred shortly after Maghrib prayers, when people had started to come out of the imambargah, said Arif.



Electricity supply was suspended in the area.



"The darkness proved to be a hindrance for the rescue teams," said Mehmood.



The Bomb Disposal Squad reached the site of the explosion and the area was cordoned off for further investigation.



In a press conference shortly after the attack, Capital City Police Officer confirmed the number of casualties.



Lashkar-e-Jhangi claimed responsibility of the attack, saying that the first attack was a suicide blast while the second was carried out by a remote-controlled device, reported Express News correspondent.



Jaffaria Alliance announced a youm-e-sog for three days following the attack.



Majlis-e-Wehdat-e-Muslimeen said it will hold nationwide protests against the recent series of suicide attacks happening in the country.