Eight people were killed and 24 injured after a high-intensity explosion ripped through a car near the Red Fort in Delhi this evening. Three to four vehicles that were near the car also caught fire and sustained damage. “It was a very powerful explosion,” said sources in the Delhi Police. The deaths were confirmed by Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP), where the injured were taken after the blast. Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai are on high alert after the blast.
Visuals showed a van with its doors blown off, a completely mangled car, another with a smashed windscreen and an injured man on the ground.
“A call was received regarding an explosion in a car near Gate number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station,” the Delhi Fire Department said (Updates here).
Around 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and the police have cordoned off the entire area, which sees heavy tourist traffic all year.
The nature of the blast is not known yet.
Forensic and technical experts are rushing to the scene to determine the nature of the blast.
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is located in the congested Old Delhi area of the national capital. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi.