Death toll in Hangu, Pakistan blast rises to 36

[News_Editor]

Death toll in Hangu, Pakistan blast rises to 36

2011-05-27 19:13:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

HANGU, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll in Thursday's blast against District Police Officer (DPO) station in Hangu, Pakistan rose to 36, officials said Friday.

A suicide bomber used an explosive-filled vehicle to target Hangu's DPO office in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, DPO officer Abdul Rasheed Khan told the Nation, saying the vehicle was rammed into the outer wall of the DPO's Communication and Works Office.

Among the 36 fatal victims were 10 police officers, but officials fear the death toll could rise again as many of the 50 who sustained injuries during the attack were reportedly in critical condition.

Security forces began conducting investigations and cordoned off the area of the powerful blast, which according to reports was detonated by around 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of explosives packed in a double-cabin pickup truck. The attack severely damaged several buildings, as the explosion left a large crater in the ground over one meter (3.2 feet) deep.

Following the attack, the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan strongly deplored the bombing.

"We are once again reminded of the necessity of resolute action against violent extremists and those who support or tolerate them," the Embassy said. "We hope to see the perpetrators behind this atrocity brought to swift justice."  

"The United States will continue to support the people of Pakistan as they strive to secure a future of peace and opportunity that is free from violence and fear."

Terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility of the attack through their spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, adding another deadly terrorist attack to avenge the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

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