Explosion near Kohat Police Lines triggers emergency response

Police said the explosion occurred near the Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district. Several injured people were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for medical treatment.

The exact number of injured people was not immediately disclosed. Police said some of their personnel were also among those hurt in the incident.

Explosion reported during Friday prayers

According to police, the blast took place during Friday prayers near a mosque located within or close to the Police Lines area.

The explosion reportedly created a crater outside the mosque. The incident caused concern in the area as rescue teams and security personnel moved to respond.

Police said additional contingents of security forces were deployed at the Police Lines after the blast. The increased presence was intended to secure the area and support the ongoing response.

The cause and nature of the explosion had not been independently confirmed in the information available. Authorities had not announced whether the incident was accidental or deliberate.

Mosque damaged as rescue operation continues

Rescue officials said the mosque’s outer section was severely damaged in the explosion. They also reported that a wall had collapsed following the blast.

Rescue teams continued working at the site to assess the damage and assist those affected. The operation was being carried out as authorities dealt with the injured and secured the surrounding area.

The injured were taken to the DHQ Hospital in Kohat, where emergency arrangements were made to receive and treat patients.

The hospital administration imposed an emergency after injured people began arriving for medical care. Further details about their condition were not immediately available.

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Kohat-Hangu Road closed after incident

Authorities also closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to traffic following the explosion. The closure was part of the security and emergency measures taken after the incident.

The road restriction may affect local movement while rescue and security operations continue. Residents and commuters were advised to follow instructions issued by the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Officials had not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the blast, including whether any arrests had been made or whether an investigation had identified a possible cause.