Kohat Police Lines Blast Kills 15, Injures More Than 50
At least 15 people have been killed and more than 50 others injured following an explosion near a mosque in the Police Lines area of Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to hospital officials.
The blast occurred on Friday as people were gathering for prayers. Rescue teams and security personnel reached the site, while an emergency was declared at District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat.
Explosion Damages Mosque and Nearby Structures
Police said the explosion caused significant damage to the outer portion of the mosque and resulted in the collapse of a wall.
A crater was also reportedly formed outside the mosque following the blast. Police personnel were among those reported injured in the incident.
Rescue teams continued operations at the scene as authorities worked to assess the damage and assist those affected.
Injured Shifted to DHQ Hospital
District Headquarters Hospital officials said a large number of injured people were brought to the facility for treatment.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Tahir Ali Shah said 15 bodies and more than 50 injured people were initially brought to the hospital following the explosion.
The hospital administration later reported that at least 25 injured people had been admitted for medical treatment, with emergency arrangements activated to handle the casualties.
Security Tightened Around Police Lines
Following the explosion, additional police personnel were deployed around the Police Lines area.
Authorities also moved to secure the surrounding area while rescue and emergency operations continued.
The incident occurred at a sensitive security location, and officials were assessing the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Kohat-Hangu Road Closed After Blast
The administration temporarily closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to traffic following the incident.
The road closure was intended to facilitate emergency response operations and maintain security around the affected area.
Residents and motorists were advised to avoid the area while rescue and security teams carried out their work.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the explosion and are working to determine how the incident occurred.
The latest casualty figures may change as rescue teams complete their operations and hospitals assess those receiving treatment.
Further details about the cause of the blast and those responsible were not immediately available from the authorities.
