New Delhi: eight killed near Red Fort blast

ISLAMABAD: At least eight people were killed and 11 others seriously injured in an explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday, according to local media.

The blast, which reportedly originated from a car, also set fire to six nearby vehicles and three auto-rickshaws, Delhi police said.

NDTV, quoting an eyewitness, reported that a loud explosion shook windows when the massive blast occurred in the heart of Delhi. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, and further details are awaited.

Visuals on local media showed flames and smoke billowing from more than one vehicle in what was described as a congested street located near a metro station in the old part of Delhi, said the Reuters.

Following this, the city of New Delhi and Mumbai were placed on high alert, local media said.

Ambulances rushed several injured victims to a nearby public hospital, while the Red Fort area was cordoned off amid a heavy police presence as officers secured the premises.

According to initial reports, “360kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with 2,900kg of IED-making material, including detonators, wires, chemicals and other bomb-making components were seized, as per official updates.”