Automobile explosion close to New Delhi’s Crimson Fort kills at the very least 8 : NPR

NEW DELHI — A automotive explosion close to the historic Crimson Fort in India’s capital metropolis killed eight individuals on Monday and injured at the very least 19 others, police in New Delhi mentioned.

The blast, which triggered a fireplace that broken a number of automobiles parked close by, was reported close to one of many gates of the Crimson Fort metro station, the fireplace providers mentioned. The trigger is being investigated.

Om Prakash Gupta, an eyewitness who lives near the scene, mentioned he was at residence when he heard a loud explosion. “I rushed out with my kids and noticed a number of automobiles on fireplace, physique elements throughout,” he instructed The Related Press. He mentioned he noticed one physique on the windscreen of a automotive.

A cab driver, who gave his identify as simply Shahrukh, mentioned he heard a loud explosion. “I got here out of the automotive and began working together with others on the street,” he mentioned.

A former imperial palace, the Crimson Fort is a serious vacationer attraction. Native media footage confirmed broken automobiles and a police cordon on the website.

Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesman for the town’s police pressure, instructed the AP that at the very least 8 individuals had been killed, and several other others injured. “We’re investigating the reason for the blast,” he mentioned. The injured are being handled at an area authorities hospital.

Pictures from the scene confirmed some shattered windowpanes and mangled items of automobiles whereas plumes of fireside billowing from the burning vehicles.

House Minister Amit Shah instructed native media {that a} Hyundai i20 automotive exploded close to a visitors sign near the Crimson Fort. He mentioned CCTV footage from cameras within the space will type a part of the investigation.

“We’re exploring all prospects and can conduct an intensive investigation, taking all prospects under consideration,” Shah mentioned. “All choices will probably be investigated instantly, and we’ll current the outcomes to the general public.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned in a put up on social media website X: “Condolences to those that have misplaced their family members within the blast in Delhi earlier this night. Could the injured get well on the earliest.”

The Seventeenth-century Crimson Fort monument is considered one of India’s most high-profile vacationer points of interest. Situated six kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Parliament, it’s the place Indian prime ministers ship their annual Independence Day speeches on Aug. 15.

The investigation is being carried out by the Nationwide Investigation Company, India’s federal terror investigating company, and different companies.