Asia-Pacific

Death toll in east Pakistan blasts rises to 44

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-13 00:00

Security personnel stand guard at the site of blast in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on March 12, 2010. [Xinhua]

LAHORE, Pakistan - Death toll in two suicide blasts in east Pakistan's city of Lahore has risen to 44, hospital sources said Friday.

More than 115 people, including 10 soldiers, were wounded in the blasts.

Two suicide bombers reached their targets on foot and blew themselves up near army vehicles within seconds of each other on Friday at R A Bazaar in Lahore cantonment, a commercial neighborhood where several army and security agencies have facilities.

Eleven security men were also killed in the attacks, Police Inspector General of Punjab Tariq Saleem said.

Police sources said that they have got head and hands from the blast site which are declared to belong to the suicide attacker. They said the bombers are about 20 years old.

Police also informed that four militants managed to escape while security forces are conducting search operation in the city.

The blasts were so powerful that windows of nearby buildings were smashed and two security vehicles destroyed, residents told Xinhua.

No group claimed responsibility for the attacks.

This is the second time in a week that Lahore came under terrorist attack. On 8th of this Month more than 16 people were killed when a 600kg explosive loaded vehicle were rammed into the building of an Investigation Agency.