A powerful blast struck a train carrying Pakistani army personnel and their families in southwest Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 50 others. The attack took place near Chaman Pattak in Quetta when the train was reportedly hit by an explosives-laden vehicle while passing a signal point.

According to local residents, the train was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar and was carrying soldiers who were heading home to celebrate the Eid holiday with their families. The explosion caused severe damage to the train and nearby vehicles. Windows of the coaches were blown out and several vehicles parked nearby were badly destroyed due to the impact.

Officials said the victims included army servicemen. The blast also caused major damage to the train infrastructure. Reports said the engine and three coaches derailed after the explosion, while two coaches overturned completely. Rescue teams and security personnel quickly reached the area after the incident. The region was later cordoned off by security forces as rescue operations continued.

Visuals from the site showed badly damaged train coaches lying on their sides. Nearby vehicles were also mangled in the explosion. People were seen climbing over the wreckage in an attempt to search for survivors and help the injured.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant organisation active in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has carried out several attacks in the region in recent years and has often targeted security personnel, government officials and workers from other provinces.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and described the attack as a "cowardly" act of terrorism. Authorities said an improvised explosive device weighing around 35 kilograms was used in the blast.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos moments after the explosion. Mohammad Rahim, who lives near the area, said people were shaken by the sound of the blast in the middle of the night.

"My family and I jumped out of our beds when we heard a loud bang," Mohammad Rahim said.

“I heard screaming and the crying of women and children in the building, including my family.”

Another local resident, Abdul Basit, said people immediately rushed to find shelter after hearing the explosion. Residents in the area feared more attacks as emergency teams continued rescue work through the wreckage.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is considered the most active separatist militant group in Balochistan. The organisation has been designated as a terrorist group and has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in the past. The BLA says it is fighting against the Pakistani government over the issue of control and use of Balochistan’s natural resources.

Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by land area but remains one of the country’s poorest regions. The province is rich in natural gas and mineral resources, yet it continues to lag in education, employment and economic development. Separatist groups in the region have long accused the government of exploiting local resources while ignoring the needs of the local population.

In recent years, the BLA has increased attacks on people from other Pakistani provinces who work in Balochistan. The group has also targeted foreign companies involved in energy and infrastructure projects in the province. Security concerns in the region have remained high because of repeated attacks on military personnel, police officials and civilians.

The latest train blast once again highlights the worsening security situation in Balochistan ahead of the Eid celebrations. Authorities are continuing investigations into the attack while rescue teams remain at the site to clear debris and identify victims.