SHABQADAR: At least three people were killed and others 25 injured in a roadside explosion in Bajaur Agency on Friday.

Officials said the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated when a van carrying labourers was passing through the Charmang area of the agency.

“At least three people have been killed and 26 wounded, the roadside bomb exploded,” Mustafa Khan, a local government official said.

Anwarul Haq, a senior local government official, confirmed the casualties, saying the injured have been taken to local hospitals.

The security forces cordoned the area and began a search operation to arrest the culprits.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack till the filing of this report.

Bajaur has seen such IED attacks in past, which were carried out by militant organisations against government officials and pro-government tribal elders and militia men. The area was cleared after military operations against militants in 2008, 2011 and 2012.