LAHORE, Pakistan — Bombs outside two churches in the Pakistani city of Lahore killed 14 people and wounded nearly 80 during Sunday services, and witnesses said quick action by a security guard prevented many more deaths.
The blasts in a majority Christian suburb of the eastern city went off minutes apart. Police said it seemed that the blasts targeted two churches, one Catholic and one Protestant, that are very close to each other.
After the blasts, enraged residents lynched two suspects, police said.
"I was sitting at a shop near the church when a blast jolted the area. I rushed towards the spot and saw the security guard scuffle with a man who was trying to enter the church, after failing, he blew himself up," said witness Amir Masih.
"I saw his body parts flying through the air."
The guard died as well, he said. It was not clear if the first blast was also a suicide bomber, Masih said.
Fourteen people were killed and 78 wounded, said Zahid Pervaiz, provincial director of general health.
Taliban splinter group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the blasts.
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