FORMER Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto has survived an apparent assassination attempt which has left at least 78 people dead after two bombs detonated near the motorcade carrying her through the crowded streets of Karachi today.The bombs exploded as a modified truck carrying Bhutto inched along Airport Rd in Karachi where hundreds of thousands of supporters had turned out to welcome her back to Pakistan after eight years of self-imposed exile. At least 78 people were killed, including 20 policemen, and more than 151 injured.
Police and officials said Bhutto is safe. "There was a huge car bomb very close to Benazir Bhutto's truck," a senior police official said.
Interior ministry spokesman Javed Cheema said: "There was a massive explosion in the procession and there are many casualties including policemen and PPP workers", a referrence to the Pakistan People's Party. "Benazir Bhutto is safe."
Dozens of bodies lay on the ground and body parts were scattered around the scene close to a burning car, a Reuters correspondent said.