QUETTA: At least 17 people were martyred while over 20 people were injured in an explosion near Quetta's Pishin Stop, reported Geo News. 

Sources claimed that the number of injured could be as high as 30. 

According to provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti told Geo News the explosion was intense and the death toll could rise further. 

"The target was a security forces vehicle," said Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti.

Casualties were also confirmed by rescue and hospital sources.

The explosion reportedly took place in a vehicle. Multiple cars caught fire after the explosion.

Rescue services reached the site and are conducting rescue activities. A large contingent of security forces reached the spot and cordoned off the area. 

Fire fighting vehicles started dousing the fire after the explosion. 

Injured are being shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta and an emergency has been declared in hospitals. Sources added that a number of injured were also shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Balochistan Assembly and FC Hostel are near the spot of the explosion and the area is categorised as sensitive. 

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.