Rescue workers move an injured person at the site of an explosion in northwest Pakistan's city of Peshawar, Oct. 28, 2009. At least 80 people were killed and more than 200 others injured in a powerful bomb blast at a crowded market in Peshawar on Wednesday.
The bomb exploded at a crowded market at Chowk Yadgar locality in Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said.
Hospital sources said that scores of the injured are in critical condition. Several women and children are among the injured, hospital sources said.
The police were not clear as to who was the target but officials said that majority those killed and injured were civilians.
More than 25 shops were completely destroyed in the blast with thick smoke rising in the air. Several buildings also collapsed due to severe blaze. Several vehicles were also damaged.
Police said that about 25 people may have been buried under the rubbles.
Bomb Disposal Squad said that 150 kg explosive were planted in a car previously. An eyewitness also said that a car parked in the area was exploded causing death and destruction.
The relief teams and rescuers rushed to the area after the blast reported. District Coordination Officer Sahibzada Anees said that the rescue teams are facing difficulties as several shops caught fire and the fire fighters can not easily enter the streets.
A rescue worker supports an injured person at the site of an explosion in northwest Pakistan's city of Peshawar, Oct. 28, 2009. At least 80 people were killed and more than 200 others injured in a powerful bomb blast at a crowded market in Peshawar on Wednesday.
A large number of people rushed to the site to get information about the whereabouts of their relatives.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
All markets in Peshawar have been shut down after the blast.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday strongly condemned the blast in Peshawar and reiterated resolve that the government will not to be deterred by such cowardly acts.
He said the government will not let the terrorists play with the lives and property of the people and will continue to wage a full scale operation till their complete elimination.
Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also directed concerned officials to provide the injured with all the possible medical relief.
Peshawar has seen series of deadly blasts in recent weeks killing hundreds of people.
(Xinhua)
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