Explosion on Lahore's Band Road leaves 32 injured

LAHORE: At least 32 people were injured after an explosion rocked Lahore’s on Band Road on Monday night, ARY News reported.

The blast which reportedly occurred in a truck full of fruit was heard across Lahore shattering glasses of buildings around Band Road.

Rescue sources say at least 32 people were injured who were moved to nearby hospital and eight out of 32 are said to be in critical condition.

Eye witnesses too say the explosion occurred in the fruit truck raising fears that the explosive may have been fitted in the truck. One of the eye witnesses claimed that the truck was standing in the area since last three days.

Malik Ahmed Khan, spokesman for Punjab government, told ARY News that the initial information he received says that the truck hit a transmission line and exploded.

On the other hand, DIG Operations Lahore Haider Ashraf told ARY News that it would be premature to say if the explosion was a terrorist attack but “God has save Lahore from destruction”.

He maintained that police is investigating and nothing can be said about the nature of the explosion.

 

‘Truck was stolen’

According to ARY News correspondent Babar Khan, the truck which exploded was stolen and police is trying to find the real owner of the vehicle.

Police have also arrested two suspects in connection with the blast.

CCTV footage of the blast

‘Security alert in fruit, vegetable markets’

In a news story published in a local newspaper on August 1, it was said that IG Punjab was informed about the transfer of arms and ammunition in vehicles carrying fruits and vegetable in the city’s markets.