Explosion kills three in Pakistan

An explosion at a Christian hospital outside Islamabad killed at least three people today in what appeared to be the second terrorist attack against Western interests in Pakistan in less than a week.

The explosion was the result of a deliberate attack and happened about 7.45am local time (02.45am Irish time) at the Mission Hospital in Taxila, near Islamabad, said Taxila police inspector Fatha Khan.

Khan said the attacker was killed. He did not say what caused the explosion or identify the attacker.

He said two people at the hospital were killed, but did not identify the victims.

The attack was the second in less than a week against Westerners or Western interests.

On Monday, gunmen burst through the gates of the Murree Christian School about 35 miles northeast of Islamabad, killing six people, all Pakistani.

Police said that three men responsible for that attack blew themselves up with grenades on Tuesday after escaping from a police checkpoint in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The school has been closed until at least Monday while officials decide its future.