5 killed, 20 injured in Lahore suicide bombing

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - At least five people were killed, including three police personnel, and 20 injured early Wednesday in a suspected suicide blast near a Sufi shrine in the northeastern city of Lahore, police and local media reported.

The suspected bomber struck a police patrol van at a checkpoint outside the shrine of Sufi saint Data Gunj Bux, local broadcaster Dunya News reported, quoting police officials.

Authorities fear the death toll will rise as several of the injured were said to be in critical condition, the channel reported.

Footage aired by the broadcaster showed the mostly charred police vehicle lying in the road as rescuers shifted the injured and dead into ambulances.

Blood-soaked shoes, caps, pieces of clothing and splintered wood and glass littered the scene.

Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the terrorist attack and directed security forces to expedite efforts to bring the culprits to justice, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s House.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.