Eight killed, 33 hurt in Pune terror attack (Second Lead)

PUNE/NEW DELHI - At least eight people were killed and another 33 injured in a terror attack at the German Bakery in the posh Koregaon Park area of the city Saturday evening, police said.

“As of now, it appears it was a terror attack,” Home Secretary G.K. Pillai was quoted as saying in New Delhi.

If this is confirmed, this would be the first major terror strike after the 26/11 Mumbai carnage that claimed the lives of 166 people.

Police in Pune earlier said they suspected a bomb blast.

“It is a suspected bomb blast, but we are still trying to verify it. Prima facie, it appears to be a bomb blast,” Joint Police Commissioner R. Sonawane told reporters.

The blast engulfed the entire bakery in flames, trapping many of the victims.

The bakery, a popular haunt of the city, is located near the Osho Ashram and the Jewish Chabad House.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said the police was investigating and relief and rescue efforts are in full swing.

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

The injured have been shifted to various public and private hospitals including Sassoon, Ruby, and Jehangir hospitals, said Sonawane.

The Pune Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Bomb Disposal Squad have also rushed to scene of the tragedy, while a team of the Mumbai ATS is also going to Pune.

Some foreign nationals are believed to be among the victims since the 22-year-old bakery was frequented by foreigners.