A DEADLY firefight broke out between separatist militants and security forces in Pakistan after 300 people were held hostage on a hijacked train.
At least 27 militants have been killed as gunmen wearing bomb-vests stormed the train.
300 people were held hostage on a train in Pakistan
AFPSoldiers secure Mach railway station after Pakistani security forces freed some passengers after a hostage situation[/caption]
GettyFreed passengers of the hijacked Jaffar Express arrive at Quetta Railway Station[/caption]
A shocking video showed the moment a group horrifically ambushed the train while passing through a tunnel in the rugged Bolan district.
Terrified passengers were taken hostage and surrounded by men wearing vests covered in explosives.
450 travellers were travelling from Quetta to Peshawar before there were taken hostage on Tuesday.
The Baloch Liberation Army group claimed responsibility for the shocking attack.
Pakistani security forced engaged in a deadly battle, that has killed at least 27 militants, to rescue more than 150 people so far.
The group said it was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.
The Pakistani government has previously reject these sorts of demands and a spokesperson said helicopters were backing up to help forces in the mountainous area.
Rescued passengers were on board the doomed Jaffar Express were rushed to hospital or pictured at a nearby station.
The BLA warned there would be “severe consequences” if an attempt was made to rescue passengers.
A traumatised traveller, Ishaq Noor, described his horror ordeal, according to the BBC.
Noor was with his wife and two children and said they desperately attempted to shield their kids from the blast.
He said: “If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children.”
Noor said: “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next.”
Muhammad Ashraf, was part of a group that was able to get off the train.
ReutersRescued passengers sit at Mach Railway Station[/caption]
Some travellers were rushed to hospitalReuters
EPAOver 150 passengers have been rescued as of Wednesday morning[/caption]
He said: “There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday.”
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