Bhutto survives blasts which kill 30
Two explosions went off tonight night near a truck carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her celebratory return to Pakistan after eight years in exile.
Police and party workers said Bhutto was unhurt, but an official said there were at least 30 people killed and 100 wounded.
A photographer at the scene said he saw between 50 and 60 dead or badly injured people. He said some of the bodies were in parts.
An initial small explosion was followed by a huge blast just feet from the front of the truck carrying Bhutto during a procession through Karachi.
The blast shattered windows in her vehicle and set a police escort vehicle on fire.
Bhutto’s lawyer, Sen. Babar Awan, said that the former premier was safe.
Karachi police chief Azhar Farooqi told Dawn News that Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan earlier today from an eight-year exile, was rushed from the area under pre-laid contingency plans.
“She was evacuated very safely and is now in Bilawal House,” Farooqi told Dawn News television, referring to Bhutto’s residence in Karachi.
More than 150,000 jubilant supporters had surrounded the convoy carrying Bhutto amid massive security in Karachi.
