Deadly car blast in Indian capital
Thirteen people have reportedly been killed and dozens more injured by a car blast in a densely populated area of India’s capital, New Delhi, on Monday. The incident took place outside the Red Fort metro station at about 7pm local time during the evening rush hour, according to local media reports.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told the media that the blast occurred in a “slow moving vehicle that stopped at the red light.” He noted that there were passengers inside. The blast led to many nearby vehicles also catching fire. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a “huge fireball” and a “very loud” explosion.
Emergency services have cordoned off the area while the injured people have been taken to nearby hospitals, NDTV has said. At least 20 fire trucks are said to be working at the scene. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blast.
The fire was brought under control by 7:30 pm, Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik told the outlet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been briefed about the incident by Home Minister Amit Shah. Security services are said to be in constant contact with the Home Minister about the situation.
In a statement to the press, Shah stated that authorities are exploring “all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation” and that the findings will be presented to the public.
While the nature of the blast or who may have been involved remains unclear, Indian media outlets have noted that the blast took place on the same day that police found nearly 2,900 kg of explosives in the city of Faridabad, located just 50km away from the Indian capital.
The bust was made in connection with a major counter-terrorist operation conducted by Jammu, Kashmir, and Haryana Police. Two men - an assistant university professor and a doctor - are said to have been arrested in connection with the seizure.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, SP Vaid, told the ANI news outlet that the suspects are likely linked to Pakistan’s “deep state” and that the seized explosives were set to be used for a terrorist attack.
In a statement on X, Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and added that those affected are already being assisted by authorities.
