LAHORE: At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured after a blast ripped through an under-construction building in Lahore’s Defence Z block area on Thursday, officials said.
“Eight people were killed as a result of the explosion in Lahore’s Defence area today,” said Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique, adding that forensic teams are working on the case, and are ascertaining facts.
“It was a bomb attack,” Nayab Haider, a spokesperson for the Punjab police said. Rescue services spokesperson Deeba Shehnaz provided the casualty toll.
Television footage showed a smouldering building and several crumpled cars with their windows blown out.
The explosion took place in the particularly affluent Defence Housing Authority suburb of the city, replete with upscale boutiques and cafes as well as an academy for the international hair salon Toni & Guy.
Another blast was heard in Lahore’s Gulberg area. The second blast reportedly occurred outside a restaurant. However, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, as well as Rescue 1122 officials denied reports of a second blast in Lahore’s Gulberg area. (tribune.com.pk)
