Van blast kills 13 in northern Pakistan

A bomb ripped through a vehicle in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt on Wednesday, killing thirteen civilians including two children, officials said. The bomb exploded in Sepoy village in Orakzai district, (Geo News) quoted senior administration official Zakir Hussain as saying. "It was remote-controlled bomb planted on the road. The bomb exploded near a pick-up van carrying passengers," Hussain said. The blast killed seven people on the spot while six others succumbed to their injuries after reaching the hospital. Two women, an 11-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl were among the victims while four others were wounded. Most of the victims were the passengers of the unfortunate van who were shifted to Kohat Hospital where some are said to be in critical condition. Intelligence officials confirmed the blast and the casualties. The security forces and Aman Lashkar (peace militia) started search operation after the explosion during which exchange of fire was reported.