At least 31 people were killed and about 94 others injured in bombing in China’s restive Xinjiang province on Thursday morning.

Beijing, May 22/Nationalturk – At least 31 people were killed and about 94 others injured, some of them critically, in bombing in a crowded market in China’s restive Xinjiang province on Thursday morning.

“Two vehicles, without license plates, broke through roadside fences and plowed into people at an open air market at Park North Street near Renmin Park in Urumuqi in Xinjiang  province at around 0750 hours today. They threw explosive devices, which went off big a big bang,” a statement issued by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s publicity department said.

Officials said 31 people were killed and 94 injured in the bombing.  They said one of the vehicle also exploded.

‘Bombing spot cordoned off’’

Immediately after the bombing, police and soldiers rushed to the spot and sealed the area. The injured were evacuated to hospitals while security experts were looking for evidences.

Flames and heavy smoke were seen. The scene has been cordoned off.

“The blast is a serious violent terrorist incident”, China’s Ministry of Public Security said.

China’s news agency Xinhua quoted witnesses as saying two off-road vehicles driving from north to south plowed into people in the market early morning.

“Explosives were thrown before the vehicles exploded. Many of the injured were elderly people who frequently visited the morning market,” they said.

Chinese president vows to punish “terrorists”

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to severely punish “terrorists” and spare no efforts in maintaining stability, in response to this morning’s explosions in Urumqi.

He said police will step up patrols and security control over possible terrorist targets and prevent ripple effects.

Xi asked local authorities to solve the case fast, put the injured under proper care and offer condolences to families of the victims.

“The Chinese government will continue to work hard in fighting terrorism and try its best to safeguard social stability,” he said.

Chinese government has blamed series of knife and bomb attacks in recent months on separatist militants from Xinjiang, the home of the ethnic Muslim Uighurs.

The attack was the deadliest attack in China in recent past. Earlier, in March, 29 people were stabbed to death at a train station in the southwestern city of Kunming.

Write your comments and thoughts below

Asia News/ NationalTurk China News