Statement on Explosion in Islamabad, Pakistan

Saturday.- at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time, a truck packed with explosives was detonated outside of the Islamabad Marriott in Pakistan. The vehicle was stopped by hotel security and a fortified barrier at the entrance to the property. The blast caused extensive damage to the front of the hotel and started a fire. Marriott International and the hotel are working with local authorities and rescue personnel to assist victims. News reports indicate numerous people were killed and injured in the bombing, including the deaths of several hotel security personnel who stopped the truck. “This is a terrible tragedy and we grieve for those people who died, or were injured, and their families,” said Bill Marriott. To hear more from Bill Marriott, visit his blog at www.blogs.marriott.com.

For information on guests staying at the Islamabad Marriott, please contact the Marriott Family Assistance Hotline at 866-211-4610 or 402-390-3265. Media should call 301-380-7770.