18 killed in Lahore triple blasts
By IANSThursday, July 1, 2010
LAHORE - At least 18 people were killed in three suicide blasts that rocked the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore Thursday night, media reports said.
Three blasts went off at the shrine, where many people were praying inside. One blast took place inside the shrine while another went off in front of the main gate and the third took place in the courtyard, Xinhua reported.
Two attackers blew themselves up inside the shrine while the third one outside it, Sajjad Bhutta, Lahore district coordination officer was quoted as saying by Geo TV.
The death toll was still unconfirmed, but over 100 people were injured, the Dawn reported citing police officials.
Thursday is a day at the shrine where crowds gather at night, police said. Due to the presence of a large number of people, the bombers may have managed to get through, despite tight security, they said.
Most of the injured were shifted to Mayo Hospital, where an emergency has been declared, while some were taken to Services Hospital and Mehran Hospital.
Relief and rescue operations are under way at the blast site, while police have cordoned off the area.
No group has, so far, claimed responsibility for the attack.
