ISLAMABAD:  At least 24 people were killed and more than 82 injured after a powerful explosion struck a shuttle train heading toward the cantonment area in Quetta on Sunday, officials said.

The blast overturned two passenger coaches and set them on fire, while heavy gunfire was also reported after the incident. Several injured passengers remain in critical condition at Civil Hospital Quetta, where authorities declared an emergency.

The explosion caused major damage in the heavily secured area, destroying nearby vehicles and structures. Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site as forensic experts launched an investigation.

No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicion has fallen on separatist militant groups active in Balochistan, including the Baloch Liberation Army.