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Deadly bomb hits Pakistan hotel | Deadly bomb hits Pakistan hotel |
(10 minutes later) | |
A bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing at least 17 people. | |
The BBC's Barbara Plett who is at the scene says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel. | |
She describes plumes of black smoke and rescue workers carrying out bloodied victims, as well as bodies. | She describes plumes of black smoke and rescue workers carrying out bloodied victims, as well as bodies. |
Some reports say the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, but this has not been unconfirmed. | Some reports say the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, but this has not been unconfirmed. |
Our correspondent says that the centre of the blast was at the front of the building close to the area where security checks are carried out. | Our correspondent says that the centre of the blast was at the front of the building close to the area where security checks are carried out. |
I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished Hotel employee Mohammad Sultan In pictures: Islamabad blast | |
She says that about two-thirds of the 290-room hotel is on fire, and the wounded and dead are still being brought out, on stretchers or wrapped in sheets. | She says that about two-thirds of the 290-room hotel is on fire, and the wounded and dead are still being brought out, on stretchers or wrapped in sheets. |
There are unconfirmed reports of people being trapped inside the building. | |
Ambulances and police have rushed to the scene. | Ambulances and police have rushed to the scene. |
A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground. | |
"I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency. | |
The Marriott is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks. | The Marriott is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks. |
Previous attack | Previous attack |
The attack comes just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them. | The attack comes just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them. |
In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads". | In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads". |
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics. | Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics. |
In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan. | In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan. |
The Marriott is popular with foreigners visiting Pakistan, and has previously been the target of militants. | The Marriott is popular with foreigners visiting Pakistan, and has previously been the target of militants. |
Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel. | Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel. |
Are you in the area? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments and eye witness accounts using the form below. | Are you in the area? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments and eye witness accounts using the form below. |
You can send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. | You can send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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