Pakistan: Dozens killed in funeral suicide blast
At least 20 people killed after suicide bomber detonates explosives during funeral procession in north-west Pakistan
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Friday, 20, Feb 2009 11:05
At least 20 people have been killed and another 50 more injured after a suicide bomber detonated explosives during a funeral procession in north-west Pakistan.
The attack occurred on Friday in the city of Dera Ismail Khan, 270km south-east of Islamabad.
Local sources report the blast ripping through the crowd gathered for the funeral of Shia leader Sher Zeman, who was killed earlier this week.
Eyewitnesses claim some of the mourners began firing weapons they had brought to the funeral after the blast occurred, delaying attempts by rescue workers to get to the scene.
There were reports of some even firing at the police in anger at the suicide blast.
Local police officer, Ehsanullah Khan, is quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying: "Now violence has erupted here. They're torching vehicles, ransacking shops and other properties."
In response to the attack and the subsequent outbreak of violence, Pakistan's interior ministry has implemented a curfew in the area and cordoned off the scene.