At least 18 people were killed and over 50 wounded in an explosion at a vegetable market in Kurram Agency's Parachinar area on Saturday morning.

According to local media reports, the blast ripped through the Sabzi Mandi inside Eidgah Bazaar, leaving 18 people dead and over 50 injured.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the cause of the blast had been an improvised explosive device (IED).

The injured were transferred to hospital. Dawn news quoted one hospital doctor as saying many of the wounded were in critical condition and the death toll could incease.

Government official Shahid Khan said the explosion took place when the market was crowded with retailers buying fruit and vegetables. He said the nature of the explosion is being investigated.

Army personnel and Frontier Corps's Quick Reaction Force reached the blast site and cordoned off the area. Army helicopters were also flown to the site to evacuate the injured to hospitals, the ISPR said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast as yet.