New Delhi, November 11: A powerful explosion rocked the national capital on Monday evening after a high-intensity blast tore through a moving Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort Metro Station. The incident caused significant loss of life and property, gutting several nearby vehicles and damaging buildings in the vicinity.
According to officials, at least nine people have died, while 18 others sustained injuries and have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Police and fire services immediately cordoned off the area, deploying 20 fire tenders to control the blaze.
While the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, a forensic probe has been launched to determine whether it was a bomb blast. One person has been detained for questioning regarding the ownership of the vehicle.
The explosion comes just hours after Delhi Police busted a terror module allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), recovering nearly 2,900 kg of explosives. Officials are investigating possible links between the two incidents.
A case has been registered under UAPA, the Explosives Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and is in touch with Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the injured at the hospital and held discussions with security and intelligence officials. Shah is scheduled to chair a high-level review meeting on Tuesday.
Authorities have issued a high alert across Delhi, with Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra also tightening security in the aftermath of the blast.
The explosion was so severe that windows of vehicles several metres away were shattered, and flames were seen billowing from the burning cars, according to eyewitnesses.
Meanwhile, the Chandni Chowk Traders Association announced that the market will remain closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect and due to ongoing investigations.
