Suicide Bomb Hits Pakistan Mosque, Kills 20, Injures 96

At least 20 people were killed and up to 96 people were injured in a suicide bombing attack that took place inside a mosque on Monday, Jan. 30, in Peshawar, Pakistan.

A suicide vest worn by the bomber was detonated while approximately 150 congregants prayed inside.

According to Zafar Khan, a local police officer, the impact of the explosion caused the mosque’s roof to collapse, which caused several injuries.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, said Saddique Khan, a senior police official in Peshawar who gave the latest casualty tolls, but the Pakistani Taliban have been blamed in similar suicide attacks in the past.

A survivor, 38-year-old police officer Meena Gul, said he was inside the mosque when the bomb went off. He said he doesn’t know how he survived unhurt. He could hear cries and screams after the bomb exploded, Gul said.

Worshippers were trapped under the rubble as rescuers tried to remove mounds of debris from the mosque grounds to save them.

Several of the wounded were listed in critical condition at a hospital and there were fears the death toll would rise.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a statement condemned the bombing, and ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment to the victims. He also vowed “stern action” against those who were behind the attack.