At least 9 killed as car explodes near Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi; several hospitalised | VIDEO
New Delhi: At least 10 people were killed after a Hyundai i20 car exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday, setting off a fire that engulfed and damaged several nearby vehicles.
The Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said all agencies, including Delhi Police, forensic team, NIA, NSG, are taking stock of the situation.
The authorities have sounded a high alert across New Delhi in the wake of the incident.
"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,” Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said.
Twenty-four people were injured in the blast that took place at a time when the area was milling with people. The injured were taken to the LNJP hospital.
"Fifteen people have been brought to Lok Nayak Hospital. Eight of them died before reaching the hospital. Three are seriously injured. One is in stable condition,” Medical Superintendent, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital told ANI.
Senior police and fire officials have reached the site to oversee rescue and inspection efforts.
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) informed IANS that seven fire tenders have been deployed to bring the situation under control.
The authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the blast and subsequent fire. The area has been cordoned off.
Responding to the incident, BJP MP from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, Praveen Khandelwal, wrote in X: "I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of a car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station earlier this evening. This tragic occurrence in the heart of Delhi has caused great distress among citizens, and my thoughts are with all those affected by the incident. I urge the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion and ensure that such incidents do not recur. I also extend my gratitude to the Delhi Fire Department, Police, and emergency services for their prompt response and efforts to control the situation. As the elected representative of Chandni Chowk, I stand in solidarity with the people during this difficult time and assure all possible support and cooperation to the administration."