A suicide car bomb attack on a train carrying soldiers in Quetta, the capital of the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, has killed at least 24 people and wounded more than 50 others.
According to Al Jazeera, the Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Quetta train bombing happened on Sunday, May 24, 2026 — just days before Eid al Adha. According to The National, most people on board were thought to be travelling to their respective families to celebrate the Eid Al Adha holiday.
What Happened in the Quetta Train Bombing
According to The Spokesman-Review, the bomb went off as a shuttle train carrying dozens of passengers — some from a nearby military base — was on its way to the main railway station in Quetta, the provincial capital.
The blast was so powerful that it derailed the locomotive and at least three coaches, with two carriages overturning, according to Pakistan’s railway minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.
According to TMZ’s Pakistan bombing report, the massive blast reportedly overturned two train cars and set them on fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky.
According to The National, police sources said the blast had taken place near Chaman Phatak when a passenger train was passing through the area. Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder reported from the scene that several houses and buildings adjacent to the railway line were severely damaged.
Who Was on the Train?
According to Fox News’ Quetta blast coverage, the train was reportedly carrying army personnel and family members traveling from Quetta to Peshawar for the Eid holidays.
According to The Spokesman-Review, the train would have connected with the Jaffer Express — a vital 1,000-mile rail link between Quetta and Pakistan’s major cities.
Local reports say the train was carrying army personnel and their family members traveling for the Eid al Adha events. Women, children, and civilian passengers were reportedly among the injured.
According to Al Jazeera, a state of emergency was declared at public hospitals in Quetta, with doctors and other medical staff ordered to remain on duty.
BLA Claims Responsibility for Quetta Blast
According to The National, the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army said in a statement to media that it carried out the attack and described it as a suicide bombing.
Their “fidayee” suicide unit carried out the attack, targeting what the BLA called “occupying forces” travelling from Quetta Military Cantonment. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan has experienced several attacks by separatist groups in recent months. The attacks have increased in ferocity and have also targeted Chinese workers due to opposition to Beijing’s infrastructure projects in Balochistan.
In 2024, at least 26 people — including soldiers — were killed in a suicide bombing at a train station in Balochistan.
What This Means for Pakistanis Traveling for Eid
The Quetta train bombing has cast a shadow over Eid al Adha 2026 celebrations across Pakistan.
According to Dawn, a pall has descended on Eid festivities.
According to The Spokesman-Review, many of the passengers were most likely traveling to visit their families before Eid al Adha, which will be celebrated Wednesday in Pakistan.
For families in Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab who rely on rail travel to reach their hometowns for Eid, this attack raises serious safety concerns. Pakistani Railways has historically been targeted by separatist groups, and the Jaffer Express route between Quetta and northern cities remains vulnerable.
According to The National, the attack was the latest in a series of strikes on trains, security forces and infrastructure in the mineral-rich province that borders Iran and Afghanistan, where Pakistan has launched counterinsurgency operations after some of the deadliest violence in years.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Condemns the Attack
According to The National, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism”, adding:
“Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan.”
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack. According to Dawn, state media reports the explosion derailed 3 coaches, with a rescue operation underway. The CM said the perpetrators are “proving their savagery.”
What Happens Next
Security across Pakistan’s rail network has been placed on high alert ahead of Eid al Adha. Army and paramilitary forces are conducting operations in the areas surrounding Quetta.
The investigation into the Quetta train bombing is ongoing. Authorities are working to identify the suicide bomber and determine whether the BLA received external support for this attack.
24PakTimes extends its deepest condolences to the families of the Quetta train bombing victims. We will update this story as new information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who carried out the Quetta train bombing?
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Their statement described it as a suicide bombing by their “fidayeen” unit targeting military personnel. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
How many people died in the Quetta train attack?
At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured. The death toll was confirmed by multiple sources including Al Jazeera, Fox News, and The National. Some earlier reports cited lower initial figures as the rescue operation was still underway.
Was the train carrying military personnel?
Yes. Multiple reports indicate the train was carrying army personnel and their family members traveling from Quetta to Peshawar for the Eid al Adha holidays. Civilian passengers were also on board.
Has Pakistan increased security on railways after this attack?
Security across Pakistan’s rail network has been placed on high alert ahead of Eid al Adha. Army and paramilitary forces are conducting operations in the areas surrounding Quetta. Pakistani Railways has not officially announced route suspensions at time of publication.
