A group of armed gunmen detonated an explosive (possibly a suicide bomber)[6] at the gate to the university's grounds, after which they entered the compound, killing and taking around 20 hostages.[9] Many students were able to escape the attack by climbing over the university's perimeter laws, while those trapped in buildings were forced to shelter in place.[9][3] Some of the wounded from the attack were evacuated to nearby Ali Abad hospital.[9]