Lashkargah bombing toll: 16 dead, 52 wounded

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The toll from Friday’s car suicide bombing in Lashkargah, the capital of southern Helmand province, has risen to 16 dead and 52 wounded, officials said on Saturday.

The blast took place at the entrance to the Ghazi Ayub Khan Stadium in Lashkargah, killing on the spot 13 people and injuring another 45, including children who had gathered to watch a wrestling match, said Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman.

However, officials at the Emergency Hospital said they had baeen delivered 16 dead bodies and 52 wounded people from the scene on the Friday evening.

Director of Sports Mehmood Noorzai said a known wrestler named Abdul Aziz – hailing from western Farah province -- was also injured in the suicide bombing. An old man accompanying players from Farah was among the dead.

Helmand police chief Abdul Ghafar Sapi said the attacker wanted to enter the stadium with his explosive device, but was positively identified by policemen, who detonated his explosives after being fired at.

Another official, who wished to go unnamed, said the two policemen who prevented the car from entering the Ghazi Ayub Khan Stadium were also killed.

On the other hand, Mohammad Dawat, an eyewitness, said the incident occurred when people were entering the stadium.“If police had not prevented the bomber at the gate, dozens of people would have lost their lives.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

pk/mud