Islamabad, Feb. 14 -- A devastating explosion in Balochistan's Harnai region on Friday claimed the lives of at least nine labourers and left seven others critically injured, The Express Tribune reported on Friday.

The blast occurred when a bomb planted on the road detonated near a vehicle carrying coal miners.

According to authorities, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted beside the road. The labourers were mostly from Swat and Shangla districts and were on their way to work when the blast occurred.

Deputy Commissioner Harnai confirmed the death toll and injury count, while law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence.

The Balochistan government condemned the attack, ...