At least 15 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured in a blast near Police Lines in Kohat, according to police and hospital authorities.
Police said the explosion occurred during Friday prayers. The blast created a crater outside a mosque, while its outer portion was severely damaged and a wall also collapsed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed told Geo News that a vehicle loaded with explosives hit the gate of the old Police Lines. He said the vehicle exploded after crashing into the gate, while firing was also reported in the area.
The injured are being shifted to District Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment. Police officials said several police personnel are also among those injured in the blast.
DHQ Hospital Medical Superintendent Tahir Ali Shah said 15 bodies and more than 50 injured people had been brought to the hospital. An emergency has been declared at the facility to deal with the casualties.
Police have closed Kohat-Hangu Road to all traffic following the incident. Additional security personnel have also been deployed around the Police Lines area as authorities continue their response.
Rescue officials said nearby buildings were also damaged by the explosion. Rescue and relief operations are continuing at the scene, while authorities are collecting further information about the incident.
