Blast derails India-bound train in Pakistan

KARACHI - A blast on railway tracks near Karachi early Saturday derailed two bogies of the Thar Express, which was travelling from this southern port city of Pakistan to Rajasthan in India, Geo TV reported. No casualties were reported.

The train with 155 passengers, including 50 Indians, on board derailed due to the blast triggered by the explosives planted on the up-track near Dhabeji, 67 km from Karachi. No loss of life or injury was reported, sources said.

Pakistan Railways said the service would soon be resumed after the completion of repair work at the track. Traffic on the down track was uninterrupted.

The train set out at 11.55 p.m. from Karachi and was running late by around one hour due to unknown reasons. It is headed to Bhagat Ki Kothi in Rajasthan.

Rescuers, railways and police officials, who arrived at the incident site, confirmed the blast was aimed at hitting the Thar Express.

A bomb disposal squad has seized parts of the damaged rail track and explosives found from the scene and further investigations were on, police said.