Several people were killed following a powerful explosion inside a moving vehicle near the Red Fort Metro Station. According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the death count stands at eight. It must be noted that earlier reports claimed 11 people were killed, but Shah - who also inspected the explosion site - later said the count stands at eight.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik says, "We got information that there was a blast in a car near Chandni Chowk Metro Station. We responded immediately, and seven units were sent to the spot. At 7:29 PM, the fire was brought under control. There is a possibility that there are casualties in this. All our teams are present at the spot..."
A team of Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrived at the spot.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha says, "Today at around 6.52 pm, a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged. All agencies, FSL, NIA, are here... Some people have died, and some have been injured in the incident. The situation is being monitored. The Home Minister has also called us, and information is being shared with him from time to time."
High alert in Delhi
Authorities confirmed that eight people have died due to the explosion. In the wake of the incident, a high alert has been sounded across Delhi, and security agencies are on high vigilance while investigations continue. While the exact cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, officials are examining the vehicle and surrounding area to determine whether it was an accidental blast or deliberate act. Nearby area has also been cordoned off.
Eyewitness account
An eyewitness at the Red Fort Metro station recounted the horror. One local resident Rajdhar Pandey said, "I saw the flames from my house and then came down to see what had happened. There was a loud explosion. I live nearby."
"...When we came near, we saw body parts spread on the road. No one could figure out what happened. Several cars have been damaged..." said another local.
"I never heard such a loud explosion ever in my life. I fell three times due to the explosion. It felt as if we were all going to die..." said a local shopkeeper to ANI.
