Police and rescue agencies soon reached the spot moved the injured to the city's Civil Hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that five out of the injured succumbed to their wounds. Emergency has been declared in the hospitals of Quetta.
The death toll is expected to rise as condition of several injured persons is said to be critical. Police and FC personnel have cordoned off the area following the explosion. According to initial investigation, the bomber was heading towards provincial assembly, however, when he failed to find the way due to strict security measures, exploded himself near the police truck.
More than 6,000 security personnel were deployed in Quetta's Red Zone area as the provincial lawmakers were expected to submit a no-confidence motion against Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri on Tuesday. Later, the provincial assembly session was adjourned after Sanaullah Zehri decided to step down on the advice of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The blast occurred amid heavy VIP movement in the area.
Banned outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, but the claim has not been independently verified. Farugh Ateeq, Deputy Commission Quetta said police were the prime target in the blast. He refused to confirm the death toll and number of injured in the explosion.