Blast rocks Srinagar; 3 killed

Thirty-five others were injured in the blast outside the J&K Bank HQ. Pics

Terrorists detonated an explosive-laden car targeting former minister Usman Majeed outside the corporate headquarters of the state-owned Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Wednesday killing three persons and injuring 35 others, including the counter-insurgent turned politician, official sources said.

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The blast in Dalgate area occurred around 10.15 am when Majeed's convoy was passing by, sources said adding the former minister escaped with minor injuries although an escort vehicle was damaged and five of his guards were wounded.

"Majeed is safe and out of danger. He has suffered some burn injuries on his face and hands," said Mushtaq Ahmed, the personal assistant of Majeed, an independent MLA from Bandipora. He was Minister of State for Planning in Mufti Sayeed Government.

Two persons died instantly while another succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital, the sources said adding the toll might go up as the condition of several injured people was stated to be critical.

Confirming the car bomb explosion, Deputy Inspector General of Police HK Lohia said terrorists parked the vehicle outside the area minutes before the explosion.

"As per our preliminary information, the driver of the vehicle escaped from the scene before triggering the explosion," Lohia said.