At least eight people are dead and more injured following a car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, as reported by the Indian authorities.
A spokesperson from Delhi City police, Sanjay Tyagi confirmed the deaths to international media and noted 20 individuals had also sustained injuries.
Police are investigating to ascertain what caused the explosion and “We are exploring all avenues”, Mr Tyagi stated.
Satish Golcha of Delhi Police reported to media that an incident took place at 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before exploding and damaging nearby vehicles.
Mr Tyagi explained to local media that an explosion occurred in a Hyundai i20 car which was moving with three people inside it when it exploded.
Mumbai, India’s financial capital, as well as Uttar Pradesh state which borders Delhi have all been placed on alert due to this tragic event.
The explosion occurred near a metro station close to Delhi’s iconic Red Fort landmark, one of India’s premier tourist sites dating back centuries and frequented by thousands of visitors every day.
Built during the 17th Century by Mughal architecture, its historic fortress hosts thousands of tourists every day and serves as the venue where Indian prime ministers deliver Independence Day speeches every year.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to those affected by the explosion, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi issued an emotional statement calling the news of their loss “extremely heartbreaking”.
Amit Shah, India’s federal home minister, stated that teams from India’s National Security Guard and National Investigation Agency as well as forensic specialists are currently investigating the nature of the explosion.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct an in-depth investigation, taking every option into consideration immediately and then reporting back to the public on what our findings are,” he stated.
The minister, after visiting the site and nearby hospital, confirmed a meeting will be held with senior officials on Tuesday morning.
Amitabh Yash, a senior police official in Uttar Pradesh’s northern state, announced following the explosion in Delhi that security has been tightened at “sensitive religious sites, vulnerable districts and border areas”.
Uttar Pradesh, home of iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, is a major tourist attraction which made it venerable to such incidents.
Veeru Sindhi, who was present when the explosion happened, described scenes of carnage; numerous bodies and vehicles engulfed in flames as evidence.
“I was deeply distressed to witness what I did see,” an eyewitness told international media, and described its aftermath as chaotic and confusing. Approximately 200 metres away he heard an explosive erupted.
“Everything felt still for a few seconds before everyone began running in all directions,” he said. Although he never went near the site itself, he could see car parts burning as well as locals helping injured individuals.
At the blast site there has been an overwhelming presence of security personnel from India’s Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), National Security Guard (NSG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Armed officers have also been seen moving toward the area while investigations take place.
