Sirens, smoke and panic: Dramatic videos capture aftermath of Pakistan train explosion; 24 killed

Videos from the scene in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan captured thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, blaring sirens and firefighters rushing towards a burning, derailed train after a deadly blast targeting military personnel on Sunday. Officials said at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured in the attack in Quetta.Footage circulating online showed chaos and panic in the aftermath. Fire officials could be seen attempting to contain flames near the mangled carriage while security personnel cordoned off the area. Civilians scrambled through the wreckage searching for survivors as blood-soaked victims were carried away on stretchers.Also read: 24 killed, over 50 injured in Quetta explosion near railway trackAccording to AFP, the train carrying army personnel and their family members was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar ahead of the Eid holiday when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into one of the carriages near Chaman Pattak. The impact triggered a massive explosion that blew out windows, damaged nearby vehicles and sent one of the train coaches off the tracks.Army servicemen were among those killed, officials confirmed. Armed forces personnel were also deployed around the blast site as rescue operations continued into the afternoon.The attack once again showed the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where separatist violence and militant attacks have intensified in recent years. Baloch insurgent groups have long accused Islamabad of exploiting the province’s vast natural gas and mineral wealth while leaving local communities impoverished and politically marginalised.Pakistan has witnessed a renewed wave of instability in recent months, including suicide bombings, insurgent attacks and growing unrest in several regions.The Quetta attack is the latest in a string of deadly militant incidents that have intensified security fears across Pakistan. In 2025, the Jaffar Express was hijacked. Armed insurgents linked to the Baloch Liberation Army stopped the train in Balochistan and took hundreds of passengers hostage, including security personnel. The siege lasted for hours before Pakistani forces launched a large rescue operation. Several passengers, militants and soldiers were killed in the violence.