Seven killed, 18 injured in Lakki Marwat explosion

At least seven people were killed and 18 others injured in a powerful explosion in the Sarai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat on Tuesday, according to police and hospital officials. The blast occurred near the Naurang railway crossing in a busy market area, causing panic among residents and traders.

Hospital authorities said the death toll initially stood at five but later rose to seven as critically injured victims succumbed to their wounds. Among the deceased were two traffic police personnel, while several women and children were also reported injured.

Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene soon after the explosion and shifted the injured and bodies to nearby hospitals. An emergency was declared at Sarai Naurang Hospital to deal with the situation.

Preliminary reports suggested that the explosion took place near a rickshaw parked close to Naurang Bazaar and a nearby police station. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the nature and cause of the blast.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from senior police officials. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.

The incident comes amid growing security concerns in southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant-related violence has increased in recent months.