Pakistan Hotel Bombing
A blast at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killed at least 60 people and wounded at least 266 people on September 20, 2008.1 2The explosion was a suspected suicide attack.3
The blast occurred as a car approached the hotel's security checkpoint. It created a 25-foot-deep and 40-foot-wide crater destroying the front of the hotel. Nearly two-thirds of the building was engulfed in flames and there were fears that people may have been trapped inside.1
Fast Facts
- Explosion collapsed the ceiling of the banquet room
- At least 60 people dead, many more believed to be dead4
- Injured: At least 2661 2
- Among the dead: Czech Ambassador Ivo Zdarek, two active duty U.S. military personal5
- The hotel has 290 rooms3
- No claim of responsibility3
- American intelligence official said the attack "bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist operation carried out by Al Qaeda or its associates."1
- British Airways temporarily stopped flights to Islamabad6
A Narrow Escape
The leadership of Pakistan narrowly avoided being targets in the bombing. The Prime Minister, President and other officials had been scheduled to have dinner at the Marriott, but the venue was changed at the last minute.6
Related Pages on Mahalo
Pakistan | Marriott | Asif Ali Zardari | Terrorism | Al Qaeda | Pakistan Arms Plant Suicide Attack | Ivo Zdarek
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