Bomb Blast In Pakistan Market Kills 20, Wounds Over 50

PESHAWAR: 20 people were killed and 50 were wounded when a bomb struck a market in Pakistan's tribal belt bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, Pakistani health and government officials said.

The bomb hit the crowded vegetable market in Parachinar city, the capital of Kurram tribal district on the Afghan border where officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

Government official Shahid Khan said explosion took place when the market crowded with retailers buying fruits and vegetables from a wholesale shop.

Dr. Sabir Hussain at the main hospital in Parachinar, said two wounded victims died during treatment, raising the death toll to 20 Saturday. Initially, seven people were brought dead from the vegetable market blast site and more than 50 wounded. Eleven of the critically wounded died earlier while being treated. Hussain said several of the wounded were in serious condition and being transferred to other hospitals for better care.

At least 20 people have been killed and 50 wounded, a senior government official in Parachinar, told Press Trust of India.