The powerful explosion caused two of the train's carriages to overturn and catch fire. Nearby vehicles were also destroyed in the attack. In addition to the fatalities, at least 50 people were injured, several of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
The attack took place in Quetta, in Pakistan's unstable southwestern province of Balochistan, and on board the train were military personnel and their families.
The mineral-rich province of Balochistan borders Afghanistan and Iran, and the area has long been troubled.
