At least 12 killed, around 60 injured in Peshawar suicide blast: police

At least 12 persons including security personnel were killed and around 60 sustained injuries in a deadly suicide attack near Army Stadium chowk in cantonment area here Friday morning, district police said. Police and spokesman of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) Dr Sahib Gul said that three more victims of the blast expired in hospitals, thus raising the death toll to 12 and 60 injured. The condition of several victims was stated to be critical while seven injured in precarious condition were shifted to ICU, he added. The DCO Peshawar has confirmed the death of eight persons in the deadly attacked. He said that rescue operation continued and debris of the building were being removed. He said Khyber Road that connects Peshawar city and University Road have been closed for traffic due to rescue operation. Eyewitnesses said the suicide bomber has apparently targeted the building of an intelligence agency around 6:40. As result of high intensity of the blast, front structure of the three-storey building was badly damaged. The identity of some victims could not be immediately ascertained. The dead also include security personnel. Windowpanes of nearby buildings at the vicinity were smashed into pieces. The bang of explosion was heard in Peshawar and adjoining areas. The injured were rushed to CMH, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Emergency was imposed in hospitals. The law enforcement agencies soon after the incident rushed to the site and shifted the injured to hospital.