25 hurt in Rawalpindi blast

RAWALPINDI: At least 25 people were critically injured, when a powerful explosion occurred in Chauhar Chowk of Rawalpindi, Geo News reported Thursday.

The ambulances and relief teams are rushing the injured to the nearby hospitals.

The blast occurred at a time when the market was overcrowded and people were leaving for their houses.

According to preliminary reports, a motorists ran into the bus near a petrol pump, blowing himself up, injuring various passengers.

This is mainly a crowded commercial areas, where buses are routed from here to Peshawar.

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6 killed in Rawalpindi blast

RAWALPINDI: RPO Rawalpindi Nasir Durrani said at least six people were killed in the Chauhar Chowk of Rawalpindi, Geo News reported Thursday.

Talking to media, he said it was apparently a suicidal attack and police have found the parts of the suicide attackers.

Police and personnel from other secret agencies are garnering clues from the blast site. According to police sources, they have found the bust and legs.

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Jackson body 'going to Neverland'

Fans have gathered outside Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch following reports that the late singer's body will go on public view there.

Various sources claim a public viewing has been scheduled for Friday ahead of a private funeral on Sunday.

Vehicles and workers have been going in and out of the property, located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Members of Jackson's family have met police and the California Highway Patrol to discuss funeral arrangements.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Jackson's body may be placed in a glass coffin and be transported from Los Angeles to Neverland in a "fairytale carriage".

A host of television satelilte trucks are already in situ outside the property

According to a California Highway Patrol spokesman, however, "details are still pending".

Shrine

It is unclear whether Jackson can be legally buried at the 2,500-acre property, which he bought in 1987 but had not lived at since 2005.

The site could reportedly be turned into a permanent tourist shrine to the singer, akin to Elvis Presley's Graceland home in Memphis.

Meanwhile, Jackson's tour promoter has said the star's ill-fated London show could be turned into a tribute gig featuring his family.

Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, told Sky News he was "discussing with the family" the possibility of mounting the show in some form.

"I would imagine it could be done as a tribute with the family, with the brothers performing, some sisters, and the stars that were influenced by him," he said.

"The world needs to see this production. It would have been, which is the tragedy here, one of the most amazing shows ever."

Insomnia

OTHER STORIES AND RUMOURS Stevie Wonder pays tribute Globe and Mail Dolly Parton video tribute Youtube Jackson paternity questioned Daily Telegraph U2 cover Jacko songs on tour NME $500,000 for last Jackson shot Guardian Butter statue tribute planned Fox News The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Phillips denied claims that Jackson had been daunted by the upcoming concerts and was too frail to perform.

According to a nutritionist who was working with the singer, however, he had been battling persistent insomnia.

In an interview with CNN, registered nurse Cherilyn Lee said she had repeatedly rejected his demands for the drug Diprivan, a powerful sedative which is given intravenously.

"This was a person who was seeking help, desperately, to get some sleep, to get some rest," she told the US news network.

It has been alleged that Jackson had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants at the time of his death.

According to actor Lou Ferrigno, however, the 50-year-old singer had been entirely focused on his health in the run-up to his 50 London concerts.

"I've never seen him take drugs," said the Incredible Hulk star, who Jackson had been working out with.

"He was always talking about nutrition.

"When he was with me, he wasn't different. He wasn't stoned. He wasn't high. He wasn't being aloof or speedy."

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