SWABI: At least one person was killed and 18 others were injured in an explosion at a police station in Swabi district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said Commissioner of Mardan Division Javed Marwat.

Initial reports from the Central Police Office said that the blast likely occurred due to a short circuit in a depot on the police station’s first floor.

Rescue and firefighting teams quickly arrived at the scene and began transporting the injured police officers to Bacha Khan Medical, where an emergency was declared.

The explosion caused significant damage to the building, which caught fire, though the blaze was swiftly extinguished by firefighting teams.

Rescue officials confirmed that 15 injured policemen had been taken to the hospital.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took notice of the incident, instructing the inspector general and chief secretary to immediately visit the Swabi police station and submit a report on the explosion’s cause.

He also directed authorities to ensure timely medical care for the injured.

District Police Officer (DPO) Haroon Rashid informed the media that 33 injured individuals had been transported to various hospitals, and the cause of the explosion was still under investigation.

Dr. Asif, medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed that 26 injured had been brought to the DHQ, while BKMC spokesperson Raham Khan stated that eight injured individuals were receiving treatment at their facility.