On Thursday, at least three people were killed and 20 others were injured in a blast at the Paan Mandi in Pakistan’s Lahore’s famous Anarkali market, quoting the police Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Rana Arif, Lahore police spokesperson confirmed the incident and the death of three persons in the blast, Dawn newspaper reported.
According to police, the blast took place near the Paan Mandi, where Indian commodities are sold. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far, as per the report.
“We are ascertaining the nature of blast. Over 20 people have been injured in blast and shifted to hospitals,” Deputy Inspector General Police Operation Mohammad Abid told reporters at the site of the blast. “The crater at the blast site indicated the possibility of a time device. However, at this stage we can’t confirm this,” he said.
As per the report, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) officials have reached the spot and are examining the nature of the blast.
The injured have been rushed to the Pakistan’s Mayo Hospital where two succumbed to their injuries while the condition of four injured in the hospital is critical.
Meanwhile, as per the report, the police have cordoned off the area. The whole Anarkali Bazaar is shut after the blast, where motorcycles and vendors’ stalls were also damaged due to the blast.
