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19:40, 24-Jul-2017
At least 26 killed, 49 injured in explosion in Pakistan
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Updated at 9:39 p.m. BJT
At least 26 people were killed, and 49 others injured in a suicide bombing in the Pakistani city of Lahore, Xinhua News Agency reported citing the country's Ministry of Health. The death toll is expected to rise.
The blast happened near Lahore Technology Park in the center of the city on Monday afternoon, targeting police officials who were deployed to clear street vendors from the area, a police official said.
The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, Reuters said.
Pakistani rescue workers move the body of a victim at the site of the explosion in Lahore on July 24, 2017../ AFP Photo
Pakistani rescue workers move the body of a victim at the site of the explosion in Lahore on July 24, 2017../ AFP Photo
Haider Ashraf, deputy inspector general of Punjab police, said the blast was a suicide attack and "police were the target".
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the blast in a statement and directed medical efforts for those injured.
Investigation and resecue operation are underway.
3876km