Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A roadside bomb killed 15 passengers in a van and wounded 12 others in north-west Pakistan near the Afghan border today, police said.
Officials said they did not know who set off the bomb, but such attacks are common in the country's remote tribal regions, where militants from both Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are active.
The vehicle was hit in the Jandol area when it was taking people from a border village to the town of Munda early in the morning, said Ejaz Abid, police chief in Lower Dir district where the attack took place.
He said the bomb was planted in a dirt road and apparently detonated by remote control. The injured were rushed to a hospital, where some remained in serious condition.
Local government official Mahmood Aslam said two children were among the dead. He said that the vehicle was not carrying any tribal elders, militia commanders, or others from the area frequently targeted by militants. "I don't understand why the passenger vehicle was targeted," he said.
Dilawar Khan, a survivor, said he heard a huge blast, and the passengers suddenly dived to the ground.
"There was a big bang and we all were lying here and there ... I was listening to people's cries but unable to see anything as dust and smoke engulfed the air... Then I found myself in the hospital with my leg and hand bandaged," said Mr Khan.
AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments