A potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly averted when the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express escaped a bomb blast on the railway track near Jacobabad shortly before the train was due to pass through the affected section, officials said.
The train, travelling from Peshawar to Quetta, was approaching Jacobabad when an explosive device planted on the railway track detonated near Somra Branch, close to Abdullah Lashari village, within the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station, Jacobabad.
According to officials, the blast damaged the railway track but occurred before the arrival of the Jaffar Express, preventing what could have resulted in a far more serious incident involving passengers and railway personnel.
Following the explosion, authorities immediately suspended the train’s onward journey towards Quetta. As a precautionary measure, the Jaffar Express was stopped at Jacobabad Railway Station, while security personnel moved to secure the affected area and assess the situation.
Police officials said unidentified miscreants had apparently planted the explosive device with the intention of targeting the railway line and, potentially, the passing train. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identity and motives of those responsible, remain under investigation.
The explosion caused damage to the railway track, prompting authorities to halt the movement of the Jaffar Express and take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. Security personnel and police teams reached the site shortly after the incident and began examining the blast site.
The immediate priority remained the protection of passengers, railway staff and other trains using the route. Further train movement through the affected section is expected to remain subject to security clearance and inspection of the damaged track.
Police have launched an investigation to determine who planted the explosive device and to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are also examining the blast site for evidence that could help identify those responsible.
The incident highlights the continuing security risks faced by railway infrastructure connecting Balochistan and Sindh, particularly along routes carrying large numbers of passengers.
