National News

LAHORE, Aug 7 (APP): At least 45 people were injured
when a blast occurred in a fruit laden truck parked at
Outfall Road here on Monday.
According to Rescue 1122 spokesman, a rescue team, on
information, reached the scene and shifted 19 injured to
the Mayo and 26 to Mian Munshi Hospitals.
The injured shifted to Mayo Hospital were identified as
Jameel, Ali, Pervez, Zain, Hifza, Maryam, Rubina, Sitara,
Anum, Aliza, Adeela, Pervaiz, Shaar Ali, Hafiz, Aashiq, Usman,
Babar, Iftikhar and Dilshad whereas the injured shifted to Mian
Munshi Hospital were as Tahir, Ajmal, Sajid, Naeem, Shamim,
Waris, Abida, Rizwan, Sirtaj, Rashid, Iftikhar, Irfan, Sajid,
Anil, Akram, Sajjad, Javed, Sajan, Munir, Iftikhar, Farooq,
Asif, Arham, Hameeda, Asghar and Safdar.
After the explosion, security forces reached the site
and cordoned off the area besides starting collecting evidences.
The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) personnel also launched a search in
the area.
Nearby buildings, electricity wires and vehicles were
also affected by the blast.
SP City Adil Memon said explosive material was
placed under the truck which exploded while further
investigation was underway.
Provincial Minister for Specialized Healthcare Khawaja
Salman Rafique and Provincial Food Minister Bilal Yasin
visited the Mayo and Mian Munshi Hospitals, and
inquired about health of the injured.
Talking to the media, Bilal Yasin said the best medical
facilities were being provided to the injured, adding that
most of the injured were discharged after providing
first aid.
He said the reason of the blast had yet to be
ascertained and the law enforcement agencies were collecting
evidences to find out the cause and nature of the blast.
Later, Lahore Mayor Mubashhir Javed reached the spot and
supervises the rescue and relief operations. On this occasion,
talking to the media, he said the blast occured in a truck
parked at a parking stand, adding that investigation was in
progress. He said the best medical facilities were being
provided to the injured.
Health Secretary Najam Ahmad Shah and Commissioner
Abdullah Sumbal also visited Mayo Hospital.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken
the notice of the blast and sought a report from the Inspector
General of Police (IGP) Punjab. He said comprehensive
investigation should be carried out to find the facts.
Police have beefed up security at all entry
and exit points in the city, hospitals, important buildings
and other places to avoid any untoward incident.