Wagah, Pakistan: At least 52 people died and over 100 were injured in a suspected suicide attack at the Wagah border in Lahore, Pakistan, minutes after the flag lowering ceremony this evening.
Inspector General, Pakistan’s Punjab province, reportedly said it was a suicide attack. Initial reports indicate the bomber was a very young man.
The casualties are mostly civilian – three Pakistani Ranger personnel have been killed and five have been injured. A family of eight is among the deceased.
The blast took place at 6:12 PM outside the parade ground near the Wagah border, 500 metres from the Indian side. Hundreds come to watch the ceremony at sunset and the victims, today, were on their way back when the attack took place.
The injured are being treated at the local hospitals — the Ghurki Hospital, the Services Hospital and the Shalimar Hospital. Forty-eight bodies were taken to the Ghurki Hospital, its Medical Superintendent confirmed.