Blast Kills 42, Injures 72 in Pakistan

At least 42 people have been killed and 72 injured after a powerful blast went off in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of Bajaur Agency bordering Afghanistan.

The explosion took place about 8:40 a.m. when a bomber detonated explosives in a large crowd of people gathering at a checkpoint near a check post outside the office of the World Food Program near Civil Colony in Khar, the main city in Bajaur Agency.

According to a report, some 1,100 to 1,500 people were seen gathering at the check point to receive food tokens to be distributed by the World Food Program office. Hospital sources said the death toll is expected to further increase as many of the injured were in critical condition.

Security forces have cordoned off the blast scene and have begun rescue operations.