Eight killed, 20 injured in Pune bakery blast

PUNE - At least eight people were killed and 20 injured when a “suspected bomb blast” ripped through the German Bakery in the upscale Koregaon Park area of the city Saturday evening, police said.

The blast, initially suspected to have been caused by the bursting of a gas cylinder, engulfed the entire bakery in flames, trapping many of the victims.

“We suspect it is a bomb blast,” Pune’s Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Sonwane told reporters.

“Police are investigating. It is suspected to be a bomb blast but it is not confirmed,” he added.

At least five fire tenders rushed to spot and were attempting to douse the flames.

The Pune Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Bomb Disposal Squad have also rushed to scene of the tragedy.

Some foreign nationals are believed to be among the victims since the 22-year-old bakery is a haunt of foreigners and is in close proximity to the Osho Ashram (of the late Swami Rajneesh) in Koregaon Park.

The entire area has been cordoned off. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe also went to the spot.